Businessmen do their bit for those in need
Datuk Seri Koh Yock Heng (right) and “beautiful lady” Wong Pek Yoke, 79, with her kaya rolls.
MELAKA: Despite facing a drop in their own business because of the Covid-19 pandemic, two businessmen decided to do their civic duty to help out the needy and less fortunate.
One of them, Edison Chan, responded to appeals from 12 students who needed electronic devices for their studies.
He contacted the Chief Minister’s office offering to contribute the devices so that the students could use them for online learning.
“I’m doing my part as a Malaysian after learning that these students needed the gadgets since classes have gone virtual now,” he said in an interview.
Chan said his company, Green Aim Sdn Bhd, also decided to sponsor reading materials to some 100 students.
“Not all is gloom and doom during the movement control order.
“If there is a will, there is a way. I’m willing to spend a bit to help others during these challenging times,” he added.
The Melaka Chief Minister’s community affairs secretary Datuk MS Mahadevan said many students had approached the state government seeking assistance.
Kesidang assemblyman Allex Seah Shoo Chin said there were about 100 students in his area who are seeking sponsorship for laptops and smartphones to access online learning.
Meanwhile, the other businessman, Datuk Seri Koh Yock Heng , said he decided to help out a senior citizen, a food trader known to her customers as the “beautiful lady”.
Koh said Wong Pek Yoke, 79, has been selling her kaya roll cakes since the 1970s to raise her family.
“During these difficult times, her business has dropped by over 70%,” he added.
Koh, the owner of Capitol Cafe, said he decided to help Wong sell her kaya rolls at his outlet.
“Her famous traditional Swiss roll has been a hit among patrons for more than 40 years at Lorong Yap Ah Loy.
“These homemade rolls were popular kopitiam snacks for breakfast and tea in the 1950s and 1960s,” he said.
“The nice smell can trigger memories of the yesteryear of our grandparents’ time,” he added.
Published in The Star, 2 Feb 2021
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