In a heartening display of community engagement, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow made a special appearance at the corporate social responsibility (CSR) event organized by the Penang Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry yesterday evening.
The gathering was centered around the distribution of “goodie packs” to underprivileged families in the state.
Welcomed with traditional garlands and warm applause, the Chief Minister was escorted by the chamber’s leadership, including Dato’ S. Parthiban and other committee members.
He took part personally in the handing over of the goodies, which comprised a mix of essential household items, groceries, and small cash envelopes aimed at alleviating the burden on low-income households.
In his address, CM Chow extended his warm Deepavali greetings, acknowledging the symbolic importance of giving and community solidarity.
He also commended the Chamber for persisting with this CSR tradition, noting that it not only helps those in need but also strengthens social cohesion. Drawing from past events, he recalled earlier CSR initiatives, where the
The Chamber had started distributing hampers and cash assistance to families as early as 2017 and later expanded the outreach in subsequent years.
:The State Government alone cannot shoulder all social welfare responsibilities alone, and partnerships with civic bodies and chambers like MICCI are essential complements in reaching marginalized groups,” he said.
He also encouraged broader corporate participation in similar programmes, urging businesses to step forward in support of the state’s inclusive development goals.
Following the speech, CM Chow personally presented the hampers to selected recipients, conversing with families and posing for photographs. The recipients expressed gratitude, many saying the support would ease their immediate needs during the festive period.
The CSR programme, hosted by the Penang Indian Chamber of Commerce, has become a recurring fixture during festive seasons, serving as a bridge between the state’s governing apparatus and grassroots communities. The evening’s event reaffirmed the commitment of both public and private sectors toward shared welfare.
Also present was State MIC chairman J. Dhinagaran, Batu Uban assemblyman YB Kumaresan Aramugam and other community leaders.