Group spreads festive cheer to the needy

THE Penang Hindu Mahajana Sangam has given out food aid to the less fortunate in conjunction with the upcoming Deepavali celebration.

The association’s president M. Neelamaygam said they gave out hampers consisting of basic groce-ry items to about 200 needy families.

“Beside essential items such as sugar, rice, milk, noodles and biscuits, we also gave cash packets to them,” he said during the presentation at its premises in Jalan Kebun Bunga, Penang, on Sunday.

He added that it was an annual affair and a small contribution from the association to the Hindu community.

Pulau Tikus assemblyman Yap Soo Huey, who presented the hampers, reminded the residents at Kampung Air Terjun to watch out for flash floods and landslides during this wet spell.

“We want to make sure the people do not suffer because of the floods,” she said.

Recipient M. Muniama, 82, said she had to clean her house after it was inundated recently.

“This aid is timely for needy people like us because Deepavali is just around the corner,” said Muniama.

Another recipient V. Thana-letchumi, 70, applauded the organiser for its noble effort.

“I’m thankful for the donation and am happy to see there are still kindhearted people out there trying to help us.”