KUALA LUMPUR: More than 4,000 Tamil residents from the Sungai Buloh parliamentary constituency have received Ponggal kits on Sunday (Jan 12) in conjunction with the approaching harvest festival, set to be celebrated nationwide this Tuesday (Jan 14).
Sungai Buloh MP Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan said that the Ponggal kits were given to B40 residents in his constituency under the Semarak Kasih Ponggal (Magilchi Ponggal) programme, a tradition of the past two years.
"The Indian community in Malaysia will welcome the month of Thai this Tuesday, signifying a fresh start. I seize this chance to wish everyone Ponggal Vaalthukal and hope this festival brings prosperity, well-being, and happiness,” he said in a statement on Sunday (Jan 12).
The programme was co-organised by the Sungai Buloh People’s Welfare Association, community leaders from Gugusan Kantan, Kekwa, Kemboja, Tanjung, and Cempaka apartments, in conjunction with the Sungai Buloh parliamentary service centre.
Ramanan, also the Deputy Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry, expressed hope that the Indian community in Malaysia would perceive this harvest festival as an opportunity to carve a new path towards greater progress and success.
"Celebrate Ponggal with joy and positivity. A strong spirit of ‘Nambikei’ (confidence) will undeniably pave the way for success. The Indian community must stay united, as unity is vital for unlocking greater achievements and opportunities,” he said.
He also voiced his hope that the nation and the Indian community will enjoy increased prosperity, harmony, and happiness. He urged all Malaysians to bolster unity and mutual understanding, in line with the Malaysia Madani vision under the guidance of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Ramanan, responsible for supervising Indian community affairs, also announced plans to deliver good news for the Indian community on Tuesday during the Ponggal celebration.
This is part of the government’s efforts to enhance the community’s economic prospects, he said.
"The Madani government is unwavering in its commitment to fulfil the aspirations of the Indian community as demonstrated by the seven initiatives rolled out in 2024 under the Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry,” he concluded. – Bernama
