JOHOR BAHRU: Medical doctor-turned-fish-wholesaler, Dr. Gary Ko, has latched on to the ‘Bakul Rahmah’ theme of inclusiveness and togetherness this Deepavali.

Known for his kind generosity, he has donated about 1,000 kilograms of fish to orphanages, poor families, old folks homes and other charitable organizations in the last 10 days.

Dr. Gary told ApaKhabar TV that he likes the Bakul Rahmah concept because it encourages us to think in an inclusive manner. This is especially true during festive seasons.

“As I am in the fish business, it struck me that the less fortunate families could do with some fish for their tables in preparation for Deepavali,” he said.

He said he knows the plight of poor families, many of whom are really struggling to put food on the table.

“For many Hindus, mutton is the preferred condiment for their Deepavali spread but this meat is expensive,” observed Dr. Gary, when met after dispensing 100 kilograms of fish to 15 poor families at his business premises here.

“I believe by donating fish to these poor families, I’m bringing some light to their homes. It is my contribution to the Bakul Rahmah concept,” he said with a smile.

It has seen him donating from 80 to 100 kg a day of fish to poor families in low cost flats in places like Sri Stulang, Plentong, Flat Iskandar and elsewhere in the state capital and its fringes.

Johor Baru-born Dr. Gary studied medicine in Thailand and has been part of a private practice there for many years.

He returns home annually to celebrate Chinese New Year with his relatives. In early 2020, he was stranded here as the Covid-19 pandemic brought international travel to a halt.

Not one to chafe at his plight, Dr. Gary lunged into his family’s fish wholesaling business to keep himself busy.

“As a doctor I am trained to help those who are suffering and as a human being I can’t help but see the suffering of the poor,” he lamented.

Recent heavy rains and rough seas however have made it difficult for fishermen to venture far for their catch and the prices of fish spiralled.

With meat already out of reach, the spike in fish prices saw many poor families go without the two most common protein source in their daily meals.

Dr. Gary has seen how poor families struggle and many have other commitments besides getting food for their dependents.

“With Deepavali just a few days away, I am sure these people, some of whom have large families, have additional expenses.

“They have to get new clothes for their children, buy necessary things for the home and get groceries too,” he remarked.

The families were so delighted it was as if they had gathered to receive a celebrity.

Dr. Gary shrugged off the hubbub and wished them a happy Deepavali as they left his premises clutching heavy bags of fish he had given away.

The families expressed their gratitude to Dr. Gary for his kindness.

One recipient Saraswathy Chellappan,70, who lives in a two-room unit at Sri Stulang Flats managed a wane smile as she received her share of the fish.

“I’m so grateful to Dr. Gary for giving us these fish, as it is a very expensive item,” she said, her eyes glistening with tears.

Saraswathy cannot work because of her age and has four children. Her husband died many years ago.

Yet another grateful recipient was Thavamaria Anthonysamy, 66, who lives with her children in a low-cost flat.

“I get help from the welfare department but that is just enough to pay the rental of the flat,” she said.

She said at times she does some odd jobs like cleaning and washing.

She noted this was the first time someone is providing fish for her.

“Today fish is an expensive item, so my deepest thanks to Dr. Gary,” said Thavamaria, tearing as she spoke.

Mariyama Ramasamy, 61, says she doesn’t know Dr. Gary but his thought of helping Hindus during Deepavali went to show he has a big heart.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to this person as he is like God-sent,” she said with clasped hands.

Mariyama who is a single-mother said she has not bought fish for quite some time due to its high cost.