SEREMBAN: Although she has a slight hearing problem, nothing could stop 89-year-old Kok Chow Tai’s joy as representatives arrived at the Tong Sim Old Folks Home here for an early Chinese New Year celebration.

Kok, who is wheelchair-bound and a resident for the past six years, was overcome with joy as she received ang pow from team members led by Matrix Concepts Foundation (MCF) adviser Datin Seri Yong Chou Lian.

“I am going to save all this money for a rainy day. I can’t describe how happy 1 am, but I pray for good things for those who celebrate with people like me,” she said, clutching the colourful ang pow packets with the dragon motif.

Another resident, Wong Kong Yong, 63, who has been staying there for live years, was equally elated.

“I will use the money to buy some things including cigarettes, which is my only vice,” he said.

Kok and Wong are among 18 residents, aged between 54 and 89, at the home. Two are mentally challenged and one is physically disabled while others suffer from dementia and age-related illnesses.

The residents were also treated to a spread of delectable dishes and presented with food items.

Yong said the visit by MCE, an organisation under the Matrix Concepts Group, was part of its corporate social responsibility.

“This is also a special occasion as it is a time of renewal and celebration of hope, prosperity and unity.

It is heartbreaking to see some elderly people being left alone when they should be cherished and taken care of.

“Our hope is to bring some cheer to these residents as they are either without family or have been left alone,* she added. MCF also donated six ceiling fans and RM3,000 to the home.

Foundation chairman Datuk Noordin Mond Yatib said the team was honoured to be able to do its part for the aged.

Home founder David Chong thanked MCE for the kind gesture.”This treat by MCF is the first for the residents this Chinese New Year and I am extremely happy to see them all so happy.

“Since the home opened, we have received residents from places as far as Ipoh and we have always tried to do our best for them,” he said. Chong, who operates a funeral parlour, said it costs up to RM7,000 a month to run the home. He has also borne the funeral expenses of 21 late residents of the home.