IN a continued effort to support those in need, state Social Development, Welfare, and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim visited five needy families in Teluk Bahang today as part of the ‘Jelajah Manfaat Rakyat’ programme.
The initiative was aimed at providing daily household essentials, such as dried rice noodles and others while fostering closer ties between leaders and the community.
Among the recipients was a 59-year-old individual battling diabetes, as well as a 58-year-old resident, who lives alone and has recently recovered from a stroke.
“This initiative is not just about delivering aid but also about understanding the daily challenges faced by the community.
“We want to ensure that those in need receive the necessary assistance and emotional support,” Lim said.
Since 2024, Lim and the state Social Welfare Department (JKM) have visited 26 welfare aid recipients across the five districts in Penang.
With Hari Raya Aidilfitri around the corner, the timely assistance will help ease their financial burden, while enabling them to prepare for the festive season with peace of mind.
This year, the Mutiara Volunteer Programme will have a stronger focus on the B40 community, connecting local volunteers with vulnerable individuals, including those living alone or in low-income households.
Those interested in joining the programme may register via https://forms.gle/dGu1fcFQfKN7GfidA.
Meanwhile, the Buddhist Tzu-Chi Merits Society Malaysia is also collaborating in this effort, where they have agreed to provide hands-on training for the volunteers.
Among those present during the programme were the Special Coordinator to the Chief Minister (Balik Pulau) Gooi Seong Kin, Southwest District Social Welfare Officer Tham Weng Keat, Teluk Bahang Constituency Coordinating Officer Ahmad Zaki Shah Bin Shah Headan, Buddhist Tzu-Chi Merits Society Malaysia Commissioner Datuk Khoo Boo Leong, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Ooi Mei Mei and local Village Community Management Council (MPKK) representatives.
Story by Lim Min Jun
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat