HUNDREDS of people braved the blazing sun to throng the Dataran Taman Negara in Teluk Bahang, Penang, for the ‘Prihatin 1Malaysia’ programme organised by the Special Affairs Department (Jasa).
Stage performances, a stand-up comedy show by Datuk Jamali Shadat and a variety of programmes were lined up for the old and young who turned up for the event held from 9am to 5pm.
Among the activities were a colouring contest, ribbon decoration contest, station games, congkak and dam aji (checkers) and a free health check.
Government agencies such as Jasa, Information, Communications and Culture Ministry, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, Radio Televisyen Malaysia, and National Anti-Drugs Agency also set up booths and held exhibitions.
Local boy Danial Azhar, 12, who was seen enjoying the dam aji game with his friends, said he did not want to miss the event since he had not gone anywhere this holiday season.
Civil servant Zarinah Ahmad, 49, cancelled her plans to go for a hike in Muka Head with her three children after finding out about the attractive activities at the event.
“We did not regret our decision because my son won the third prize and I won the first prize in the ribbon decoration contest.
“I also managed to get my blood pressure checked and get some health advice from the doctors here,” she said.
During the event, new school bags and monetary aid were also handed out to 100 needy, underprivileged, handicapped and single mothers from the area.
The ‘Konvoi Amal Free Gaza’ group to help Palestinians also raised RM1,557.
The programme was launched by Teluk Bahang assemblyman Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya and attended by Jasa director-general Datuk Fuad Hassan.