SOLAR panels will be installed at the Silver Jubilee Home for the Aged (SJH) in Jalan Sungai Dua, Gelugor in Penang, to help reduce its electricity costs.
SJH chairman Datuk Ooi Hooi Kiang said the solar panels would be placed on one of the residential buildings.
Dufu Technology Corp Bhd made a RM100,000 contribution to fund the installation.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who is also chairman of the home’s board of trustees, attended the mock cheque presentation ceremony between Ooi and Dufu executive chairman Datuk Lee Hui Ta.
The event included a presentation of Dufu’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives by its chief executive officer Teoh Chiew Hong.
Also present were SJH treasurer Phoon Yee Min and Batu Uban assemblyman A. Kumaresan.
Ooi said the home relied heavily on public and corporate support to sustain its annual operating cost of about RM4mil.
“We depend on donations, whether in cash or kind, as many of our residents require daily care and essential supplies like adult diapers.”
She said the home currently has 103 residents aged 60 and above who were without family support and lacked financial means.
“Residents start in independent living units. They are moved to a dependent care section if their condition requires it, where they are cared for the rest of their lives,” she said.
She added that SJH spanned 9.1ha with about 2.2ha currently unused, and plans were being explored to redevelop for future needs.
“We are looking at possibly collaborating with a hospital to build facilities, including affordable care options, as we prepare for an ageing population,” said Ooi.
