05/04/2025

SATURDAY | APR 5, 2025

COMMUNITY 7

Ipoh ratepayers win prizes from council

Ű BY P. CHANDRA SAGARAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Lucky draw treat for those who settle one-year assessment payments

IPOH: It was a happy day for a 76-year-old housewife who received a Perodua Bezza 1.0G worth RM34,000 as the grand prize in the Ipoh City Council’s lucky draw for assessment ratepayers. Speaking during the event held at the council’s office recently, Ng Mee Sin who lives with her husband in Chateau Garden said she never expected to be the winner. “We already have a car in the house and all our children are working in Kuala Lumpur. “I want to sell the car. I am not driving anymore and did not renew my licence some time back,“ she told reporters after receiving the mock key from Mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin Md Daud. Ng praised the council’s initiative to reward ratepayers who settle their dues with prizes.

were drawn through a digital process on March 6. Rumaizi said in his speech this is the second year that the council is offering a car and other items as prizes for those paying up the one-year assessment rate. “The lucky draw is a show of appreciation by the council to ratepayers who fulfil their responsibilities to the city,” he said. “In the past, prizes were given only in cash due to the Covid-19 pandemic.” This year the council has offered 228 lucky draw prizes in the form of cash,electrical items and the road vehicles worth a total of RM100,000. The council recorded 131,272 assessment bills with payments amounting to RM60.79 million this year.

Her husband Lee Thart Wah, 84, had paid the full year’s bill at the council’s office at the Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) here. “We decided to pay in one go. Otherwise, we would have to come twice to make payments,” she said. In second place, winner Kok Chin Hong, 49, from the Pengkalan area, grabbed a motorcycle. He quipped that he was expecting the car as his prize. “It’s okay. I am happy as I won a motorcycle which I will use. There is already a motorcycle at home,“ said Kok, who is involved in selling prayer items. They were among 28 residents who emerged winners in the main draw on March 19. The first round of winners for 228 prizes

Rumaizi with Ng during the prize presentation ceremony. – P. CHANDRA SAGARAN/THESUN

Movie night to raise funds, awareness on World Rare Disease Day

PETALING JAYA: In conjunction with World Rare Disease Day, which fell on February 29, the Malaysia Lysosomal Diseases Association (MLDA), in collaboration with Passionate World Sdn Bhd and eMuse Pictures, hosted a private charity screening of Joey Lee’s debut film My Parents’ Midlife Crisis. The event brought together advocates, families and supporters to raise funds and awareness for rare diseases, while celebrating the resilience of individuals and families navigating life’s challenges. “Rare disease families face extraordinary battles daily, and through initiatives like this, we amplify their voices and push for tangible change,” said MLDA president Lee Yee Seng. “Every ringgit raised brings us closer to bridging the critical RM20 million funding gap for life-saving treatments.” My Parents’ Midlife Crisis is a poignant and humorous exploration of family dynamics, personal passions and societal expectations. Set in a conservative Asian family, the story follows 13-year-old Velonica as she navigates her parents’ midlife crises while

grappling with her own growing pains. Joey Lee, its director, scriptwriter and producer, said: “I believe film has the power to inspire change and create a better world. “Since founding Passionate World in 2016, I have been committed to making a meaningful impact through storytelling. With my debut film, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive society.” It was noted that parents and caregivers of rare disease patients face immense challenges, from managing medical needs to balancing emotional and financial burdens. Currently, Lysosomal Storage Diseases (LSD) patients are facing serious under dosing of enzyme treatments due to limited government funding, with a total shortfall of RM20 million. “The under-dosing crisis is a ticking time bomb,” said Yee Seng. “Without full treatment regimens, patients risk irreversible deterioration. “We urge the government to prioritise this issue. It’s not just a budget line item, but a lifeline for our community.”

Sona (left), Saraswathy (4th left) and Vijayalakshmy (sixth left) with some of the nominees at the event.

Celebrating and empowering Indian ‘womenpreneurs’ in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: Business AddA, a women entrepreneurs’ network, recently hosted the Atmanirbhar Bharati Awards 2025 to celebrate the remarkable contributions of Indian “womenpreneurs” in Malaysia. The ceremony, held on March 21 at the Shenga Auditorium, marked Business AddA’s third anniversary. Under the theme “Women Entrepreneur Stories: Innovating for Tomorrow,” the event highlighted inspirational journeys of women shaping the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Sona Ghose, founder and managing partner of Business AddA, said: “This event is not just a celebration of individual achievements; it is a collective acknowledgement of the resilience and ingenuity of women entrepreneurs who continue to redefine success in Malaysia and beyond. “At Business AddA, we believe in the power of community, innovation and diversity to drive sustainable growth and meaningful change.” Present as guest of honour was National Unity Deputy Minister Saraswathy Kandasami while the Indian High Commission’s culture director Vijayalakshmy Sunderrajan acted as chief guest.

Other eminent guests were Lata Bavisi, president of EC-Council; Datin Malliga Subramaniam, accelerator of startups in India and Malaysia; and Datin Sri Shaila Nair, an accomplished actress and movie producer. Awards were presented for outstanding achievements in nine categories. The recipients were Kinnar Singh of The.Dot.Way (arts category); Shameena Abdurahiman of Golden Loop Academy and Services (education); Shanmughaselvi Rajagopal of Swans Weddings (event management); Chandra Kumari Govinathan of Nadia Veg Café (food and beverage); Raji Bedi of Bellibon (fashion); Jennifer Ahluwalia of Sociojenics (marketing); Dhanashree Deshpande of Tinyscapesbyme (services); and Dr. Noraisha Mohammad Anwar of MBA Centre (wellness). Madhavi Murali, Narupa Roy, Anju Purohit and Saroj Avalani were honoured in the community service category. The event also saw a creative showcase spotlighting entrepreneurial artistry, presented by DesiGlam. For details on Business AddA’s initiatives, visit www.klbusinessadda.com or contact klbusinessadda@gmail.com.

Participants at the cinema during the exclusive movie screening.