KLANG: Residents at an old folks home here were all smiles when more than 20 members from the Klang MCA visited them on Friday.

Led by the division’s deputy chairman Datuk Steven Lim, the 23 residents of the Klang Chik Sin Thong Old Folks Home were treated to home-made zong zi (dumplings).

Also present were Klang MCA secretary Datuk Dr Ching Eu Boon and Youth chief Tee Hooi Ling.

The senior citizens savoured the traditional delicacy, which is made from glutinous rice, mushroom, meat and chestnuts in conjunction with the coming Duan Wu festival.

The festival is an occasion when the Chinese eat zong zi and race dragon boats in remembrance of ancient Chinese poet and patriot Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in protest against corrupt practices in China more than 2,000 years ago.

“The Duan Wu festival is traditionally an occasion for families to pray for blessings while getting rid of negative feelings and practices, while remembering Qu Yuan," said Lim.

“We appreciate the contributions made by senior citizens to our country and we should continue to cherish them in their golden years, show them that they have not been forgotten,” he added.

Living with his 70-year-old mother, Lim noted that families that have elderly folks living with them have a treasure.

He said it is important for people to spend time with senior citizens.

“I must also thank my mum because she took it upon herself and personally made the dumplings when she knew I was going to visit the old folks home.

“She actually made over 200 dumplings for me to be given away,” said Lim, adding that he gave the dumplings to orphanages and underprivileged families during the division’s visit these few days.

The home, which was set up 49 years ago, now has 10 female and 13 male residents, all aged 65 and above.

Tan Lean Choo, 84, who is the eldest resident at the home, said she enjoyed the dumplings.

“The glutinous rice was soft and there were many ingredients inside.

“It's so delicious,” she said, adding that she was happy and thankful for the kind gesture.

The Duan Wu festival, which falls next Tuesday, is celebrated every fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar.

In Chinese, the word duan means "initial" while wu refers to number five and also the fifth month. Duan wu literally means fifth day of the fifth month.

-The STAR-