Chong (right) with Chan (second from right) and other Petaling Street stakeholders handing out rice dumplings as part of their collaboration to help the needy. — Photos: YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
THIS year’s Dragon Boat Festival brought a celebration of community kindness at Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown.
The century-old Fung Wong Biscuits bakery in Petaling Street drew crowds early last Sunday morning eager to receive free glutinous rice dumplings and other treats.
“The event, now in its sixth year, is held to support underprivileged groups and the homeless often seen in the area,” said Petaling Street Rukun Tetangga (RT) chairman Datuk Chan Kwok Chin.
He said the event was first organised in 2015 but had to be halted from 2020 to 2023 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, before resuming this year.
“We prepared 600 dumplings along with other treats such as fruits, beverages and buns sponsored by our partners.
“Chicken rice was also served so the recipients could have a complete meal today,” he said.
The event was a collaborative effort by various Petaling Street businesses, resident groups and organisations.
Crowds lining up for free dumplings in Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown. - Photos: YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
Besides Petaling Street RT, the others included Chinese Night Market and Food Truck Vendors Association in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, Go Noodle House, Restaurant Chan Thong Kee, Fung Wong Biscuits, and Global Harmony Foundation (GHF).
Chan emphasised the importance of holding the festival in Petaling Street, given its significance as a cultural hub.
“We are dedicated to hosting the event in Chinatown because it draws the Chinese as well as domestic and foreign tourists.
“This event embodies our commitment to cultural preservation and continuity,” he said.
Looking ahead, Chan hoped for increased sponsorship in the coming years to expand the event’s reach and impact.
Present to help in the distribution were Petaling Street RT member Datuk Seri Chong Lian Foo and Chan’s son Melvin, who is also the fourth-generation owner of the 115-year-old Fung Wong Biscuits bakery.
