Welfare home gets to expand kitchen thanks to foundation
BUKIT MERTAJAM: With 30 children under its care, Pusat Jagaan Permata Kasih in Taman Pauh Jaya needs a functional kitchen to cook nourishing food for its charges.
The kitchen space is limited at the moment, making cooking quite a daunting task for the staff members.
Thanks to Star Foundation’s RM30,000 contribution, the centre now has enough funds to expand the kitchen.
Centre caretaker Azhir Ismail, 44, said they have 13 boys, aged nine to 11, and 17 girls, aged four to six.
“The boys are sent to school by van while four volunteers help to look after the girls.
“Our monthly expenses can be between RM30,000 and RM40,000, mainly for utility bills as our rented four-bedroom house has airconditioning,” he said.
Azhir said since the centre was set up in 2010, they have relied mainly on public donations to care for the orphans and underprivileged children, adding that they also have a nursery in Kepala Batas.
Star Media Group news editor (regional) K. Suthakar presented the mock cheque to Azhir on Tuesday.
Penang MCA treasurer Datuk Ma Kok Ben, who witnessed the presentation, praised the foundation’s effort in reaching out to the needy.
“I’m happy that aid is being channelled to the needy.
“The money will provide the home with better flexibility and offer better care to the children,” said Ma, who is also Permatang Pauh MCA division chief.