CNY cheer, goodies for seniors from low-income households during SM Lee’s Teck Ghee visit

SINGAPORE – Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong met residents of Ang Mo Kio GRC on Jan 12 to deliver some festive cheer ahead of Chinese New Year.

Despite the heavy downpour, more than 400 seniors from low-income households gathered at Teck Ghee Community Club from 8am to receive red packets from him.

SM Lee, who is an MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC, presented each senior with a red packet containing $150 in cash and $50 in Sheng Siong supermarket vouchers. The seniors also received a bag with chicken essence and mandarin oranges.

SM Lee took to the stage to wish all residents a prosperous Chinese New Year in English, Mandarin and Malay.

At the end of the Teck Ghee Hongbao Presentation Ceremony, he sat down with some seniors for a chat. Also present at the annual event were grassroots leaders of Teck Ghee.

After the ceremony, SM Lee spent nearly two hours speaking to the stall owners and residents at 409 Ang Mo Kio Market and Food Centre.

A resident who wanted to be known only as Madam Sharifah told The Straits Times this was her second year attending the event.

“I really wanted to come today because of the chance to interact with everyone. I can meet new people and also old friends here,” said the 76-year-old.

Having moved to Ang Mo Kio four years ago, she said she often attends activities organised by the Teck Ghee Citizens’ Consultative Committee for the elderly.

“Of course, I’ll be back here next year if I am healthy enough. The performances (at the community club) today were good, the food was presented nicely, and I feel they really look after the senior citizens in this area.”

Also in the crowd was an 80-year-old man who wanted to be known only as Mr Tay. He has attended the annual festivities since 2020 with his caregiver.

Speaking in Mandarin, Mr Tay said: “I really look forward to this event every year and I always look out for the invitation around this time of the year.”