Barisan Nasional's (BN) sincerity in caring for the welfare of the Chinese community in Lembah Pantai is gradually winning the hearts of residents there, said Federal Territory and Urban Wellbeing Minister Datuk Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin.

He said the support of Chinese residents in Lembah Pantai had increased since they realised BN's hard work to ensure their welfare.

"I see that they (Chinese community) accept BN because we work hard to interact, communicate and understand the problems they face, not only in terms of economy but also environmental cleanliness," he told reporters after launching a Chinese New Year function here today.

Also present was Lembah Pantai MCA chairman Datuk Dr Lim Chee Shin.

Raja Nong Chik, who is also Lembah Pantai BN coordination chairman, said this confidence was based on positive response from the local community who wanted leaders to approach the people and hear their woes.

Earlier, Raja Nong Chik presented 'ang pow' and food hampers worth RM90,000 to 900 Chinese people in Lembah Pantai, consisting of the disabled, senior citizens and single mothers.

A disabled person, Ooi Ah Nya, 72, said she was happy to receive the RM100 given to each person as it would ease her expenses for the Chinese New Year celebrations next month.

"Thank you so much to the government for contributions each year, now we can prepare for the new year," she said.

Also sharing the same sentiment, senior citizen Loke Sang Kew, 75, said the contribution was meaningful to poor residents like himself.

"The government has helped us poor people a lot, thank you, we are very happy," he said.