Association finally acquires a place of its own

Chow taking part in the opening ceremony of the Penang Mukkulathor Sangam new premises in Kedah Road. — K.T. GOH/The Star

AFTER 48 years, the Penang Mukkulathor Sangam (PMS) has finally acquired its own premises at the Kedah Road Complex in Kedah Road, Penang.

The premises was acquired at a cost of RM200,000, of which RM20,000 was funded by the state government and the rest through funding by the association’s own members.

Chairman A. Raman said the association would be able to serve the community better with the new office.

“We are happy and grateful that with the efforts of our members and the state government, we are able to have our own space.

“After having rented the old office space in King Street for 48 years, the opening of the new place is timely as we will be having our upcoming 44th annual general meeting (AGM),” he said.

Association secretary S. Vetrivelu said the association funded the project and the renovation took over a year to be completed.

“As our last AGM was held back in 2019, we are excited to use our new space to discuss our upcoming initiatives for the community.

“Moving forward, we would like to emphasise helping the community by looking at social and economic issues,” he said.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was present at the recent opening of the Sangam’s new premises, said the state would allocate RM20,000 more to help kickstart the place.

“We had earlier granted a RM20,000 allocation for its renovation and now we hope to help them kickstart the place.

“We are glad that they decided to purchase their own property after renting for many years.”

Chow, who noted that the association was formed in 1973, said they had been serving the community selflessly for the past 48 years.

“Penang is lucky as we probably have thousands of NGOs with different interests or focus, whether in culture, language, economy or welfare.

“With the involvement of NGOs looking after each interest, the state has been able to achieve much success.

“Thus, the state will continue to support NGOs which organise programmes beneficial to the community,” he added.