Friday January 7, 2011
CNY aid joy for burn victim
By SARBAN SINGH
[email protected]
SEREMBAN: The Year of the Rabbit has yet to kick off, but burn victim R. Jegathambal already has reason to celebrate.
The 47-year-old mother, who nearly lost her life when she was set on fire by her husband in 1995, was among 11,000 who received ang pow from Magnum Corporation in conjunction with Chinese New Year next month.
“None of my family members came forward to help me since the incident. I had to borrow money from Ah Longs to settle my debts.
“This gift from Magnum has left me beyond words,” said Jegathambal, who had since undergone several skin grafting procedures.
Generous gift: Jegathambal receiving a mock cheque from Dr Ng at the Mawar Renal Medical Centre in Seremban yesterday. Also present were Negri Sembilan MCA chief Datuk Dr Yeow Chai Tiam and Tuen (left).
Jegathambal, who works as a janitor at Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital near here for RM600 a month, said she was one month pregnant when her husband splashed petrol and set her on fire at their home.
She received RM2,280 from Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen at a ceremony held at the Mawar Renal Medical Centre here yesterday.
Earlier, Dr Ng thanked Magnum for continuing with the programme which started in 1989.
Under the programme, Magnum will hand out RM500,000 in ang pow, goodies and donations to 182 charitable and welfare homes in the country to usher in the Year of the Rabbit.
Dr Ng said the Government gave out RM800mil to old folks, single mothers and others in need every year.
“This is to ensure the poor and the handicapped are not neglected,” she said, adding that even non-Chinese could apply for medical aid under 1MCA Medical Foundation.
She also commended those who managed welfare homes for their commitment in fending for the needy, including sourcing for donations.
“If we have more people like you and companies like Magnum, I am sure the less fortunate would be better taken care of,” she said.
Magnum Corporation general manager Tuen Foo Fat said he hoped that its contribution could help make a difference to tthe needy.
“We have been doing this for the past 20 years and hope to continue to bring joy to the underprivileged and the less fortunate,” said Tuen, adding that some 1,000 needy people from 23 welfare and charitable organisations in Negri Sembilan would receive RM60,000 under the project.
