BALAKONG: An 89-year-old member of Persatuan Hokkien Cheras Selangor donates four units of five-storey shop lots to the association.

Sia Chin Aik, the association’s honorary chairman, says he is happy he and his family can contribute the building to the association.

Built in the 1990s, the four units of shop lots with lifts are valued at more than RM10 million.

The objective of the donation is to help members and more people in Cheras, he said.

The shop lots are opposite the association building at Batu 11, Cheras.

Datuk Tan Soon Hong, the association’s president, said most of the units inside the building donated by Sia are tenanted.

The rentals would be channelled to charity.

Tan is exploring to set up a foundation to fund the education of students from underprivileged families, and cash incentives for the members’ children with outstanding academic performance.

Tan is grateful that Sia’s donation offers the association sufficient financial resources to execute the plan.

To honor Sia, the association names a multipurpose hall in the building after him.

“Sia is our member in the early days. When the association lacked funds to construct a building, he was one of those who chipped in as well,” Tan said.

Sia is a model for others, he said, adding that he is passionate about education and trusts the association.

The association was set up in 1929 to look after migrants from China’s Fujian Province who settled down at Batu 9 and Batu 11 Cheras.

It was renamed Persatuan Hokkien Cheras Selangor on October 19, 1993.