KOTA MARUDU: The joy of experiencing the shopping atmosphere ahead of Hari Raya Aidilfitri was clearly reflected on the faces of 150 children in the district.
This is all thanks to a programme organised by Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Berhad (KTC) in collaboration with the State Community Leaders Development Unit (UPPM).
The programme, held at a supermarket here, was further enlivened by the presence of KTC Executive Director Datuk Dexter Lau and his wife Datin Siew Yee, Political Secretary to the Chief Minister cum Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Women Chief Datuk Redonah Bahanda, as well as the UPPM Sabah Director, Datuk Awang Kadin Tang.
Wenisah Jainil, 42, an asnaf from Kampung Singgah Mata, said her family, including her five children, relies solely on her husband, who works as a farmer with an unstable income.
She said sometimes she could only afford to buy Raya clothes for her children once every three or four years due to financial constraints.
“This is the first time my children, aged three and four, will wear new Raya clothes for the festive season.
“There are no words other than gratitude and thanks to the donor, KTC, for giving us this opportunity,” she said.
Norazwin Bidin, 35, from Kampung Bingkongan, said since she has three children under 12 years old and the donation was worth RM200 per child, she decided to spend the money on three sets of clothes without shoes, ensuring that all three of her children could have new outfits, even if only clothes.
Rohani Abd Majid, 41, from Kampung Parong, said even though her husband’s income as a farmer was insufficient, the meaningful programme gave their children the opportunity to have new Raya clothes.
Meanwhile, single mother Syahirah Ismail, 31, expressed her happiness, as with this donation, her two-year-old child will be able to wear new clothes and shoes on the morning of Hari Raya.
Redonah said she was happy to see the joy of the children and parents who had the opportunity to experience shopping and choosing Raya clothes, with some experiencing this for the first time.
Redonah thanked Dexter and his wife’s efforts in prioritising social responsibility initiatives like this, especially in the district.
“I hope KTC’s efforts and concern will serve as an example for more corporate groups to step forward and help the underprivileged, particularly in Kota Marudu. “I am ready to collaborate in any company programmes aimed at social responsibility initiatives like this,” she said.
