About 60 patients of the Tung Shin Hospital in Kuala Lumpur were in for a pleasant surprise today when 'Santa Claus' appeared to give out Christmas presents to patients during programme organised by the Information, Communications and Culture Ministry.

One of the patients, Low Soon Lin, 72, could not hold back her tears and was seen shedding tears for she did not expect to be remembered since she was in hospital during the festive season.

"Every year I will be with my family for Christmas, but this year I am here (hospital). Thank you for the contribution," said Low, who was accompanied by an Indonesian maid.

The grandmother of 10 grandchildren from Pahang has been hospitalised since last month to undergo traditional acupuncture treatment for stroke.

The contribution, carried out under the touch point programme, was presented by the director-general of the Special Affairs Department (Jasa) Fuad Hassan, who was accompanied by the hospital's president, Ng Beh Tong.

Fuad said, the aid was part of the Malaysia Christmas open house 2012 programme which would be held concurrently with the New Year Eve celebration on Dec 31.

"We hope this contribution will help cheer up the patients, regardless of the amount... what matters most is the memories and smiles from recipients which is more meaningful," he said when launching the programme.

Fuad also hoped people would take advantage of the public holiday tomorrow to enliven the Christmas celebration with friends who are celebrating the occasion in tandem with the 1Malaysia spirit that upholds unity in a multi-racial society and religion.

- Bernama