(From fifth right) Khor, Chow and Penang Chinese Town Hall chairman Tan Sri Tan Khoon Hai on stage during the anniversary dinner at Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society in Penang.
MORE than 1,000 guests attended the Moon Gate Point Five Hiking Club’s 27th anniversary celebration.
Attendees at the event, which was held at Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society in Macalister Road, Penang, included hikers and their families.
Special guest Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow thanked the club for inviting him.
“It is truly an honour to be part of this vibrant celebration, which serves as an opportunity to meet and engage with fellow hikers who share a passion for adventure.
“I am very impressed by the club members who volunteer their time to provide complimentary coffee and biscuits, and at the same time maintain the cleanliness of the rest area as well as hiking trail.
“They are the unsung ‘heroes’ and their noble endeavours align with the state government’s ‘Penang 2030 Vision’, which encourages active community engagement in social initiatives and exemplifies the spirit of ‘Love Penang’,” he said.
Chow said that as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Malaysia, Penang has a rich history and culinary traditions.
“We are also blessed with beautiful landscapes and challenging hiking paths that attract many tourists seeking adventure.
“The state acknowledges the importance of preserving our natural environment and ensuring the safety of hikers, which is why we encourage collaboration between the club and the authorities to improve hiking paths and facilities.
“By doing so, we can provide hikers with a better and safer experience,” he added.
Chow reminded hikers to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen to avoid heatstroke when hiking in hot weather.
“After all this time in Penang, I have yet to experience the famous Moon Gate trail and visit the Point Five rest area, but I hope to do so really soon,” he said, referring to the trail at Penang City Park in Jalan Kebun Bunga.
Earlier, club president Datuk Benny Khor revealed that over the past decade, the monthly cost for providing coffee, tea, biscuits and cooking gas for the Point Five rest area had increased drastically from RM700 to RM3,000.
“We do not rely on external fundraising efforts, nor do we impose annual membership fees.
“Our funds come from the surplus generated during our annual anniversary banquet, sponsorship from well-wishers and personal contributions.
“Over the past three challenging years when many individuals endured hardships due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the club managed to raise RM42,400 and establish the Point Five Charity Fund.
“To date, we have delivered RM26,500 worth of food baskets to 457 vulnerable families and made donations to various charities in Penang, offering assistance to those in need during these trying times,” said Khor.
At the dinner, a lucky few won smart fitness watches, cash prizes of between RM500 and RM3,000, sports shoes and three grand prizes of a motorcycle each.
(From fifth right) Khor, Chow and Penang Chinese Town Hall chairman Tan Sri Tan Khoon Hai on stage during the anniversary dinner at Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society in Penang.
Members having a good time at the Moon Gate Point Five Hiking Club event.
More than a thousand guests attended the 27th anniversary dinner.
Khor presenting the grand prize of a motorcycle to Datin Seri Hou Hong Xia during the event.
The Moon Gate entrance to the hiking trail. — Filepix
A hiker washing the provided cup after enjoying coffee break at the Point Five rest area.
