Story by Danny Ooi
Pix by Mohd Adil Muhamad
IT was an early Raya gift for the physically handicapped when they received some essential items from exco for Religious Affairs, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, Datuk Abdul Malik Abul Kassim, at Komtar on July 2.
Each family received one packet of rice and other goodies at the event.
“We are happy if the authorities give their attention to the disabled like us, like contributions to help families ease
their monthly burden,” said blind masseur, Abu Hassan Mahmud, 37. Abu Hassan, was accompanied by his wife, Nurenida
Robi, 29 and their two sons, Mohd Fairus Aiman, six, and one-and-half-year-old Mohd Arif Haikal at the function.
He was one of the 50 recipients from the White Cane Association and Blind Advancement Services who came to receive the aid.
Another recipient, Oon Soon Ne, 36, from Farlim in Air Itam, said this is the second time he received aid from Abdul Malik’s
office.
A Muslim convert in 2011, Oon said he is very grateful to Abdul Malik for the contribution and appreciates his kindness
in helping the disabled group like himself.
Another blind masseur, Yusoff Jamaludin, 45, said: “My family is very grateful for thiskind gesture. It will help us to
celebrate Hari Raya in a more festive mood.” Yusoff, was accompanied by his wife, Norazlina, 28, and their two children.
Meanwhile, Abdul Malik said the contribution to the disabled group is a yearly affair since 2009.
He added that aid given out by his department was in the form of goodies for Hari Raya, food for breaking fast and “duit
raya”.
On a related issue, Abdul Malik said the State Religious Department will take action against eateries found selling food to Muslims before 5pm during the fasting month.
“Both owners of eateries and their customers will be fined.
However, regulations will be viewed on a case to case basis if they took home packed food for their children, elderly sick
parents and wife who could not fast due to illness,” he added.}