MARANG, Sept 17 (Bernama) — With a burning desire to help the community bear the increase in price of goods and cost of living, a group of volunteers took the initiative to hold a free market that gives visitors the opportunity to bring home a variety of goods at no charge.
Founder of ‘Pasor Percuma Ganu Kite!’ Dr Muhammad Salehuddin Sulaiman said the programme which was held at SK Padang Mengkuang in Bukit Payong near here, was manned by 35 volunteers who contributed a range of goods including baby milk, children’s toys, clothes and books.
In addition, he said the two-hour programme starting at 10am today also gave out basic necessities such as rice, cooking oil and vermicelli for free.
“This is the 23rd time we have held a free market since 2017. The concept we created is ‘from the people to the people’ where we ease the burden of the less fortunate.
“The contributors are my friends and who also invite their acquaintances to join. We also publicise this programme on social media to attract more contributors,” he said at SK Padang Mengkuang here today.
He said the programme received a favourable response, drawing some 1,000 visitors including children who did not want to miss the opportunity of getting various items they needed.
One of the contributors, Ang Meng Siew, 40, said besides being happy to be able to help out the community, this kind of event also gives her satisfaction as used items from her home that are still in good condition such as her children’s toys, have changed hands.
“The first time I participated in this programme was in 2020. When we are able to give, it not only makes the recipient happy but we ourselves also feel happy. I was also able to teach the children to share their sustenance with others, in which unused items such as their toys and shoes have now become the property of others and are not simply thrown away,” she said, having donated children’s shoes, clothes and toys.
Meanwhile, a visitor, Minah Musa, 71, was elated to bring home rice and cooking oil for free, which reduces her family expenses for the week.
“I knew about this programme through my niece who also brought me here. Thank you so much because there are people who care about the plight of villagers like me.
“After all, I am less fortunate with no fixed income and every month only expects shopping money from the children, but even they can’t give much as they only have mediocre work. So when someone is willing to donate, I really appreciate it,” said the mother of 10 children.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency