On 19 October 2024, Penang Port Sdn Bhd (Penang Port), a member of MMC Group, successfully collaborated with St Nicholas' Home Penang to organise White Cane Day 2024. As one of the key partners and sponsors, Penang Port mission is to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the blind and visually impaired (BVI) community and to promote accessibility in public spaces.
As part of the program, the Penang Port employees and participants from other agencies were able to see how visually impaired people perceive the world. The activity allowed participants to navigate through Gurney Bay while blindfolded, simulating the challenges encountered by the BVI community. The experience provided a hands-on understanding of the importance of accessibility and the need to create more inclusive public spaces for all.
Distinguished guests graced the event, including Dato' Seri Syed Mohamad bin Syed Murtaza, Chairman of Penang Port, Dato' Sasedharan Vasudevan, Chief Executive Officer of Penang Port, and Dato' Ir. Rajendran A/L P. Anthony, Mayor of the City Council of Penang Island (MBPP). The support underscored the importance of collaboration between various stakeholders in addressing the needs of the BVI community and ensuring their inclusion in society.
The CSR initiative reflected Penang Port's commitment to promoting inclusivity and contributing to the well-being of the local community, particularly those with disabilities. The collaboration with St. Nicholas' Home Penang was an effective step in fostering awareness and encouraging positive change for the BVI community. Penang Port will continue to collaborate with St. Nicholas' Home Penang to make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities in the region.