THE Habitat Penang Hill could not have been a better place for over 100 yoga enthusiasts to be in the morning as they gathered for a healthy exercise and a good cause.
As early as 6am today, they were at the foot of the hill to catch the funicular train up to the top where the tranquil ecotourism site is situated not far away at about 820m above sea level.
Chong Eng, the state executive councillor for Women & Family Development, Gender Inclusiveness and Religions Other than Islam, commended them for not just coming together to take part in the work-out but also in the ‘Yoga Gives Back’ charity.
“It is indeed a pleasure to be here this morning. It is a blessing to be able to enjoy greeneries that surround us, breathe the fresh air, and watch the sunrise as some of us do this early morning yoga,” Chong Eng said in her speech.
“We are here not only to enjoy the nature, but all of you are also a part of a bigger plan in giving back to the community.
“Your participation is an encouragement in our effort to raise money that will be channelled back to the society through foundations such as Yoga Gives Back charity, as well as Women’s Centre for Change (WCC) Penang.”
She thanked the organisers, led by The Habitat Penang Hill managing director Allen Tan and Muddy Lotus Yoga founder Gwen Tan, and donors for the event.
The total amount raised in the first charity event at The Habitat Penang Hill was RM22,000.
Five of the participants were WCC members, whom Chong Eng praised for helping to protect victims and advance the women’s agenda in Penang and Malaysia.
She expressed hopes that there would be more women representation in Parliament and the state executive council or assembly, saying women lawmakers in Parliament now constitute only about 14%.
Noticing that the composition was just the reverse at the yoga session at The Habitat today, Chong Eng said she hoped the women would find other domain to excel too.
The yoga session was later followed by a guided nature walk for the participants.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix courtesy of Chong Eng’s office