In the warm glow of the Deepavali season, Penang State Assemblyman for Perai, Dato Seri Sundarajoo Somu, once again opened his heart to the community, personally delivering festive contributions to more than 700 recipients from his constituency at the Chai Leng Multipurpose Hall in Perai.
“This marks the second year we’ve organised this Deepavali contribution ceremony, and I’m deeply moved to see how it’s grown,” said Sundarajoo. “Last year, we reached 580 families. This year, 700 – a sign that the spirit of giving is alive and that our efforts are being embraced by the people we serve.”
Each recipient received a food pack worth approximately RM120, carefully prepared for families in need, registered through the N.16 Perai Service Centre. But to Sundarajoo, it was never about the value of the items – it was about the meaning behind them.
“While these contributions may seem modest, the real reward was seeing the smiles, the teary eyes, the heartfelt thank-yous. Those moments stay with me,” he shared. “Some came up just to hold my hand and say thank you. It reminded me why I do what I do.”
Many in the crowd expressed how even a simple food pack made a difference – lightening the burden of rising costs as they prepared for the festive season. For some, it meant being able to celebrate Deepavali with a little more joy and dignity.
“As the State Assemblyman for N.16 Perai, I’ve always believed that public service is not just about policies or plans – it’s about people. It’s about standing with every community, every race, every faith – especially during moments that matter. And Deepavali is one of those moments,” Sundarajoo said with conviction.
He pledged that initiatives like these will continue, not just as charitable gestures, but as acts of love, unity, and shared humanity under the banner of #PeraiKita and the long-term vision of Penang2030.
As the ceremony came to a close, Sundarajoo extended his warmest wishes:
“Happy Deepavali to all who celebrate. May this Festival of Lights bring peace, joy, and hope into all our homes – and may its light continue to guide us toward a kinder, more united future.”
