Safety Priority at Annual Angpao Presentation for Elderly, Says Tan Sri TC Goh

1 February 2026

KUALA LUMPUR: Everise Ventures Sdn Bhd President Tan Sri TC Goh has stressed that the safety and well-being of senior citizens remain the top priority in his company’s annual Chinese New Year Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, following concerns over elderly participants arriving excessively early for registration.

Speaking during the presentation of angpao to 500 elderly recipients at the Putera Ballroom, Tan Sri TC Goh said the initiative has been organised consistently every year as a gesture of appreciation towards senior citizens. The programme provides a small gift and angpao, which he described as modest in value but meaningful in intention.

He explained that the event is conducted through a registration system to ensure fairness and to prevent misuse, such as individuals collecting angpao on behalf of others.

However, this year raised concerns when some elderly participants arrived as early as midnight, despite registration only beginning at 7 am.

“While we appreciate their enthusiasm, arriving too early poses health and safety risks,” he said, adding that an elderly couple collapsed during the registration process and had to be taken to hospital by ambulance. “I do not want a goodwill initiative to turn into a bad memory.”

TC Goh also addressed negative portrayals on social media and in certain reports, which alleged that elderly participants were mistreated or forced to queue under harsh conditions. He firmly denied these claims, emphasising that it was never the company’s intention to inconvenience or endanger any senior citizen.

“We cannot stop people from coming very early, but we strongly discourage it,” he said, urging the public and media to understand the situation fairly.

He noted that the company’s CSR contributions have increased steadily over the years, from RM150,000 to RM200,000, and reaching RM500,000 in recent years. The programme has also been expanded to include meals in addition to the angpao. According to him, the focus has never been on the amount of money, but on care, responsibility, and safety.

This year’s event saw an overwhelming response, with nearly 700 people turning up despite the number of recipients being capped at 500.

TC Goh said even increasing the number to 1,000 might still be insufficient, but the company would consider expanding the programme in future, subject to its performance.

He also urged family members to act responsibly, advising them not to send elderly, frail, or disabled parents to queue for long hours or arrive too early.

“If anything were to happen during the event, the responsibility would fall on us, and we take that very seriously,” he said.

TC Goh added that the programme holds special meaning for the company, as many of the elderly participants are familiar faces who return year after year, bringing warmth and joy to the occasion.

“Our aim is to organise this programme so that everyone is happy, respected, and most importantly, safe,” he said, expressing hope to continue seeing the seniors in good health in the years to come.