DEEPAVALI cheer came early for some 1,000 underprivileged when they received aid in conjunction with the Festival of Lights.
The goodwill event at the Dewan Datuk Haji Ahmad Badawi in Butterworth today was held for the 40th consecutive year and was led by RA Group executive director Datuk Seri R. Arunasalam.
Some recipients took home several grocery items while others received sets of glasses. They also took home two packets of 20kg rice each.
“This event is aimed at giving back to the society.
”The purpose of the programme is to ease the financial burden of the less fortunate during Deepavali.
“We do not want the poor to be left out while we celebrate the festival with joy,” he said.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was invited to attend the event today, praised Arunasalam for his good deeds and said that the state government valued his noble contributions.
”I believe such charitable work can be included in the Malaysia Book of Records because it has been organised for 40 years without fail.
”Congratulations and thank you to Arunasalam and his family for the continuous effort in helping the needy each year to celebrate Deepavali,” Chow said in his speech before presenting the aid to the recipients at Dewan Datuk Haji Ahmad Badawi in Butterworth today.
He urged corporate companies and individuals to emulate Arunasalam’s efforts by giving back to the society and help those in need.
On behalf of the state government, Chow offered his Deepavali greetings to all Malaysian Hindus who will be celebrating the festival soon.
Also present were Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy, state Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (MAICCI) president Datuk N. Gobalakrishnan and Arunasalam’s son Dr R.A. Lingeshwaran.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Nur Afiqah Zainudi