By Vincent D’Silva

JOHOR BARU: A blind person, in reality, is the only one who can truly see. They know what true love is, without through the eyes but with the heart. And that is the truest form of love.

A visually impaired man with the assistance of members of the Lions Club from Region 10 & 11 decided to donate rations to some 40 needy families ahead of Chinese New Year at the PPR Sri Stulang and Iskandar Flats.

“I may be blind but I can hear the cries of the people seeking help. I listen to the news and hear what people speak and say and I know what people are going through. I, on my part can do just this little bit,” said Tan Chee Kiong, 49.

Due to glaucoma, Chee Kiong was losing sight in both eyes and now he is almost blind.

Chee Kiong knew the hardship of many families especially when Chinese New Year was fast approaching. On New Year’s Eve, together with the Lions Club, they managed to help these families.

“Yes, we can’t see but we can hear the cries of people who need help. We too have a heart to know the difficulties faced by people,” said Chee Kiong.

They delivered essential items which brought relief to these families who were either elderly, single or poor.

“We don’t have much but we must give to people in greater need than us, especially in these times of great hardship for so many,” he said.

Chee Kiong’s sentiment is “we can’t see but we can feel” voiced on an earlier occasion when asked about his motivation of donating groceries to the destitute in the city.

He was indeed thankful to the various Lions Clubs for coming forward to donate a number of items for the families.

Rations for these families is not the end of the charity drive by Chee Kiong.  He intends to continue with his efforts as and when his resources permit.

A number of families living in Sri Stulang and Iskandar Flats are facing tough times from the after-effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. As the team arrived to hand groceries to the penurious lot there were smiles on the faces of the recipients.

Chee Kiong who is visually impaired singlehandedly packing the groceries prior to the distribution to the needy families.

Chee Kiong and the Lions Club members had to brave the afternoon heat and go up to every floor to distribute the items as many of the recipients are either too old, fragile or immobile.

Chee Kiong has long been a social worker whose activism was spurred by his realisation that he was gradually losing his sight even when he in is 20s.

He has adapted well to a life “in the dark” and doesn’t even need a walking stick when going to familiar places.

“I know it’s difficult for others as they treat you like an old person, giving you all the assistance and sometimes you’re treated like a duke,” he said.

He stressed that the greatest sickness in the world today is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared.

He said the only cure for loneliness, despair and hopelessness is the giving of love.

As long as Chee Kiong is able and fit he will continue assisting the poor and needy as he feels the destitute need his help.

An elderly man (second from left) receiving goodies for the Chinese New Year.