A SOCIAL activist has called on Malaysians to embrace a caring culture.
Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said those who have the ability to help should do more for those in need.
“Malaysia needs a caring culture, a caring country and a caring society,” he said.
“We cannot rely on the government alone to solve welfare problems,” he said during a cheque-presentation ceremony at Selangor King George V Silver Jubilee Fund Home in Kuala Lumpur.
Lam Thye and Apple Vacations Sdn Bhd donated RM10,000 each to the home.
Lam Thye said his donation came from proceeds of his book Call Lee Lam Thye: Recalling a Lifetime of Service.
He added that he had pledged from the outset that profits from the book would go to charity, noting that he has contributed more than RM100,000 so far to various organisations.
“Although I am no longer in politics, I am still continuing to work for the community in whatever way I can,” he said.
The home’s trustee and executive committee chairman Datuk Seri Yong Seng Yeow said it was established under the Selangor King George V Silver Jubilee Enactment 1937 to offer shelter and support to poor and aged Chinese women in Selangor.
Admission is open to Chinese women aged 65 and above who have no dependants, or whose children are unable to support them due to financial hardship.
The home can accommodate up to 100 residents, though it currently houses 42.
Managed by volunteer trustees, it relies heavily on public donations to continue operating.
Residents receive food, clothing and accommodation, along with a range of activities designed to keep them active and socially connected.
“Our main goal is to keep the residents happy, active and socially engaged,” Seng Yeow said.
“They have activities such as exercise, gardening, handicrafts, karaoke and outings.”
The home also organises hobby workshops, haircuts, medical check‑ups and day trips to places like Sekinchan, Jenjarom and Serdang.
In addition to residential care, the home operates a day‑care centre offering meals, exercise sessions, handicrafts, painting activities, health assessments and physiotherapy evaluations.
Apple Vacations group managing director Datuk Seri Koh Yock Heng said the company’s contribution was made in conjunction with its 30th anniversary.
He described the home as “more than just an old folks’ home”, calling it a place filled with care and companionship.
“We hope the residents here can live comfortably, healthily and happily,” Koh said, adding that Apple Vacations hoped to return next year with red packets for the residents.
The company had previously supported the home through its Drop of Kindness campaign, sponsoring newspapers for residents for a year.
The RM10,000 donation was an additional contribution.
He also highlighted the company’s involvement in an Epic Homes project for the Orang Asli in Bentong, Pahang, where staff spent three days helping to build a house.
Also present at the ceremony were the home’s trustees Desmond Yong and Lee Jen Uyin and Apple Vacations Marketing and Branding director Jeslynn Wong.
