THE Penang Hindu Association (PHA) today received 20,000 face masks and 96 bottles of hand sanitisers, courtesy of the Penang government.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who handed over the items to the association’s chairman, P. Murugiah, said the state government would stand firm in its humanitarian and diplomatic efforts to help the affected communities during this challenging time.
Chow said that more effective measures must be taken in near future to strike a balance between lives and livelihoods.
“Trying to strike a balance is not easy. With increased efforts by the country to speed up the vaccination programme, more sectors would be allowed to open.
“That would mean that more businesses can reopen and job opportunities in various fields would increase,” Chow said after handing over the Covid-19 supplies to PHA in Komtar today.
He also hoped that PHA would play its part as it has always been in the past, by making sure the face masks and hand sanitisers are distributed to needy families.
“The non-governmental organisations (NGOs), individuals and other donors have definitely earned the respect of all during this Covid-19 period. They have contributed food baskets, medical supplies and services to help those in need.
“The state government appreciates all that is being done. We hope that we can overcome these challenges together,” Chow added.
Meanwhile, Murugiah said the face masks and hand sanitisers would be distributed to needy families of all races.
“Thank you CM Chow and the state government for always prioritising the wellbeing of the people,” said Murugiah.
PHA was established eight years ago. Their services include providing school aid such as uniforms, stationaries, assisting in the burial of unclaimed bodies, providing education fund for deserving, poor medical and dental students and many others.
Also present during the brief handover ceremony were the association’s deputy chairman Dr S. Balasubramaniam and secretary MDS Paranjothi.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Chan Kok Kuan