More aid for Covid-19 fund

THREE companies in Penang have contributed over RM1mil to the Penang Covid-19 Fund in combating the disease during challenging times.

Toray Group (Malaysia) and Boon Siew Honda donated RM1mil and RM100,000 respectively, while Solarvest Holdings Berhad contributed 2,000 oximeters worth RM52,000.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state government had been receiving contributions in cash and kind since last year, with all the money progressively spent on the fight against Covid-19.

“Some contributors connect directly with the Penang Hospital and the state Health Department to identify their needs before they make the contributions.

“There were also contributions in kind that the state distributed to hospitals, clinics and non- governmental organisations which were doing related services to the community.

“We are very thankful for the kind contribution from the corporate sector and NGOs for assisting the state in this difficult time.

“We all know that we are not out of the woods yet.

“We still face a high number of cases in Penang although we hope that things can return to normal as soon as possible,” Chow said.

Toray chief representative in Malaysia cum Toray Industries (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Teh Hock Soon said they hoped to give back to the society through the contribution.

“Given the daily Covid-19 cases, our Group recognises the utmost importance of being responsive to the state’s immediate needs.

“We want to provide more facilities with necessary medical equipment to meet public health demands at this critical time.

“As a responsible corporate citizen, we would like to do what we can for the state with our contribution.

“Toray Group stands in solidarity with the people of Penang to mitigate the impact of Covid-19.

“We believe that by rallying together and fighting this pandemic with courage, compassion and resilience, we can make a difference and help keep the local populace healthy and safe,” Teh said.

Boon Siew Honda chairman Datuk Seri Tan Hui Jing said the contribution was a small token of appreciation and part of the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme to assist the state.

“We hope that things will get better and we will continue to play our part in this beautiful state,” Tan said.

Solarvest Holdings chief executive officer Chong Chun Shiong said this was the second time that the company had chipped in for the Penang Covid-19 Fund.

“We know oximeters are useful items during this Covid-19 pandemic.

“Our contribution is also part of our CSR,” Chong said.

Also present were state welfare committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, state health committee chairman Dr Norlela Ariffin, Ayer Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng and Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers Penang immediate past chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ooi Eng Hock.