Lucky red packet: Lee showing the angpow she received, which will go towards paying her water bill. — KT GOH/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: An elderly woman, looking worried but hopeful, shuffled into the hall where angpow for the poor was being handed out.Lee Wai Kin, 74, was among 2,000 senior citizens gathered there as a charity group presented angpow to the needy.
After waiting with the others, Lee received a red packet with RM25 in it.
The money might come in useful for her to settle her latest water bill, which was unusually high.
“It used to be less than RM20 but for some reason, it was RM61 this month,” she said when interviewed.
(Penang homes are billed for water once every two months.)
“I wonder if there is a leak or someone is using my flat’s water supply when I am away,” she said.
“My daughter and I lodged a complaint, but we still have to pay the bill until it is sorted out.”
After the interview, The Star’s chief photographer KT Goh topped up the amount for Lee to settle her water bill.
Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society Penang was distributing RM50,000 in angpow to the 2,000 B40 senior citizens present.
Thirteen charitable homes also received RM15,000 each (totalling RM195,000), from proceeds raised during the society’s Harmony Charity Food Fair 2024.
Society president Datuk Sim Ah Chye said this effort has been ongoing for decades as a way to give back to society.
“It is open to anyone above 65, regardless of race. We do this yearly for Chinese New Year,” he said.
The funds, he said, were raised through donations and their committee’s efforts.
“It is a meaningful way for us to usher in the new year.
“Our senior citizens are the pillars of wisdom and experience, and it is our duty to honour them,” he said.
Sim also said that each of those organisations has helped to create a positive impact on the lives of those in need.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was guest of honour at the function, said he is happy to be part of something that reflects shared values of compassion, generosity and commitment to uplift those in need.
“My heartfelt gratitude goes to Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society for organising this remarkable event, which has become a cherished tradition in our community.
“This support strengthens the fabric of our society, fostering empathy and mutual support,” he said.
Chow said as Penang navigates the challenges of an ageing population and the needs of the underprivileged, the state recognises the importance of a holistic approach.
“This includes government initiatives, community engagement and the active participation of social organisations,” he said.
