SINGAPORE: Hong Kong action star Jackie Chan has offered a reward of one million yuan (RM591,391) for the development of an antidote to the coronavirus that originated in China’s Wuhan city.
Hugely popular in Asia, Chan, whose recent movie Vanguard was pulled at the last minute in China due to concerns over the spread of the virus in theatres, wrote in a Weibo post late on Tuesday that he hoped to do what he could during the current epidemic, besides offering songs and cheer to the people who were affected by the outbreak.
“Science and technology is key to overcoming the virus, and I believe many people have the same thought as me and hope that an antidote can be developed as soon as possible,” the 65-year-old wrote.
“I have a ‘naive’ idea now. No matter which individual or organisation develops the antidote, I want to thank them with 1 million yuan.”
He hoped that his intention would not be misunderstood.
“This is not about money. I don’t want to see the once-bustling streets empty now and do not want to see my compatriots fighting a virus until some of them are dead when they should be enjoying life.”
His post has received more than 52,000 likes as of yesterday afternoon, with many netizens supporting his decision and praising him for always doing his part during times of crisis in China.
Some netizens even suggested that he raise the reward to 10 million yuan (RM5.9mil).
The death toll in China has exceeded 500.
One death has been reported in the Philippines. — The Straits Times/ANN
Hugely popular in Asia, Chan, whose recent movie Vanguard was pulled at the last minute in China due to concerns over the spread of the virus in theatres, wrote in a Weibo post late on Tuesday that he hoped to do what he could during the current epidemic, besides offering songs and cheer to the people who were affected by the outbreak.
“Science and technology is key to overcoming the virus, and I believe many people have the same thought as me and hope that an antidote can be developed as soon as possible,” the 65-year-old wrote.
“I have a ‘naive’ idea now. No matter which individual or organisation develops the antidote, I want to thank them with 1 million yuan.”
He hoped that his intention would not be misunderstood.
“This is not about money. I don’t want to see the once-bustling streets empty now and do not want to see my compatriots fighting a virus until some of them are dead when they should be enjoying life.”
His post has received more than 52,000 likes as of yesterday afternoon, with many netizens supporting his decision and praising him for always doing his part during times of crisis in China.
Some netizens even suggested that he raise the reward to 10 million yuan (RM5.9mil).
The death toll in China has exceeded 500.
One death has been reported in the Philippines. — The Straits Times/ANN
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