By Vincent D’Silva

MASAI: Festive seasons are happy occasions where families come together to celebrate and rejoice.

However, this is not the case for the lower income families in Kota Masai as they find it difficult to even put food on their table on a daily basis.

Some 150 needy families across Kota Masai, including those with senior citizens, single mothers and from the B40 categories got some early Deepavali cheer ahead of the Festival of Lights next week. People from other races also received aid.

The meaningful event, organized by a team of community volunteers and well-wishers, aimed to bring cheer and relief to families facing economic hardship.

The event was organised by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Tebrau Division, Rotary Club of Pasir Gudang (RCPG) and Residents’ Committee of Kota Masai Zone 2, held at Balai Raya Komuniti Jalan Jambu, Kota Masai.

The organizers handed out food basket containing rice, oil, flour, milk and other household items in preparation for Deepavali next week.

The distribution, held at a local community hall, was filled with warmth and gratitude as volunteers handed out bags of rice, cooking oil, and daily essentials to families from nearby neighborhoods. The initiative sought not only to meet basic needs but also to ensure that no one was left out during the festive season.

The organizers main focus is to assist disadvantaged women and those under the B40 category. They also assist families with disabilities.

The event, aimed at spreading festive joy to the needy, was made more memorable by the presence of Prakash Maniam, chairman of PKR Tebrau Division, Low Sing Huat, Pasir Gudang City Council Member, Francis Chan, president of Rotary Club of Pasir Gudang, Regional Assistant Governor Co-ordinator Johor/Melaka Lee Chin Guan, RCPG past president Stewart Sia Thian Huat, RCPG vice-president V. Venkatachalam and officials from the Rotary Club of Pasir Gudang and PKR.

“We are happy to spread the Deepavali joy, not only to Hindu families but to others in the community as well. It is a real victory of light over gloom when we light their homes and hearts with goodness and generosity,” said Prakash Maniam.

He said what is distinctive about Malaysia is that we are an inclusive multiracial society. Inclusive – because we look after and care for one another. We find ways at the national and at community levels to help those who may be in need.

“And this (initiative) is a very good example of how we can do this to complement national-level programmes. We make every effort to provide for the deprived,” he said.

We hope this will help ease some of the financial burdens for these families and make it a little better for them when they celebrate Deepavali.”

“We are glad the Deepavali celebration for these families are made brighter this year. We hope more NGOs will come forward to assist the penurious,” he remarked.

By remembering and helping the less fortunate and forgotten, one can bring a powerful spark of happiness to those who need it the most.

In his address, Francis Chan said the event reflected the true essence of Deepavali — the victory of light over darkness, and kindness over indifference.

“We wanted to make sure every family could celebrate Deepavali with dignity and joy,” said Chan.

“Times have been tough for many, and even a small gesture like this can bring hope. What matters most is the spirit of togetherness and compassion that this festival inspires.”

He added that the effort was made possible through the generous support of donors and volunteers who came forward to contribute funds, supplies, and time.

“This is a community effort in its purest form,” Chan added. “When we come together to help others, we keep the flame of humanity burning bright — that’s the real light of Deepavali.”

Families who received the aid expressed heartfelt appreciation, with many saying the assistance would help them celebrate the festival with renewed optimism. The organizers hope to make the event an annual tradition, continuing to spread light, love, and hope to those who need it most.

Traditional Indian performances and soulful melodies mesmerized the audience, weaving a spell of culture and rhythm that held everyone enchanted.

Guests and recipients were also treated to a delightful spread of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.