The Perak Turf Club marked its Tan Sri V. Jeyaratnam Charity Day by donating RM101,000 to 32 non-governmental organisations in memory of the late philanthropist.
Presented at the turf club in Ipoh, Perak, the funds supported groups such as Noah’s Ark Ipoh, Perak Women for Women Society, National Stroke Association of Malaysia, and The Dementia Society Perak.
Also held in conjunction with the event was the Charity Cup, a 12-race feature with about RM100,000 in prize purse.
Jeyaratnam passed away on June 4 at the age of 101.
An accomplished criminal lawyer, he was also a prominent philanthropist who founded Yayasan Sultan Idris Shah, now known as Yayasan Ipoh, a non-profit rehabilitation centre for children with disabilities.
He was also the turf club’s longest-serving chairman, having held the position for 22 years, earning him a place in the Malaysia Book of Records.
In his opening address, turf club chairman Datuk John Lim paid tribute to Jeyaratnam.
Lim said the turf club aimed to be more than just a place where races are held; it aimed to continue contributing back to the community.
“This year’s Charity Day is a fitting celebration of racing, community and giving back, in honour of our longest-serving chairman, whose contribution remains an important part of the turf club’s history.
“His tenure was marked not only by his contribution to the development of the turf club, but by his belief that we can be a force for good beyond the racetrack.
“We want to build a club that people are proud to be part of, where racing brings people together and where we can continue to contribute to the community.”
The event brought together racing fans, owners, trainers, jockeys, families and the wider community, while supporting 32 charitable organisations.
Present during the event were Jeyaratnam’s family, guests and members of the racing community who gathered to share memories and reflect on his services and generosity.
