GLOBAL fashion brand, Uniqlo, while being known primarily for redefining everyday wear with simplicity, quality, and longevity, is also an advocate for circular sustainability programmes.
They believe in the power of clothing to create a better tomorrow, and today, they proudly donated new and used clothes to the transit centre, also known as the ‘Pusat Transit Gelandangan,’ in Jalan C.Y. Choy.
This is just one part of their sustainability efforts to recycle, reuse and reduce.
Uniqlo Malaysia Sdn Bhd sustainability director Evelyn Tan said the company does not only sell but is committed to ensuring that there is good circular sustainability and to unlocking the power of clothing.
“We are glad to collaborate with the transit centre. We are here today to donate new and used clothes for the residents to be used for various purposes.
“We believe that through clothing, we can make a difference in people’s lives, especially refugees, disaster victims and other needy groups worldwide.
“The used clothes are always washed clean and properly managed before we distribute it to the people.
“If not all, most of the clothes that we have donated are Uniqlo-branded.
“For the used ones, what we do is, we encourage the public to donate their unused clothes to our respective outlets, and from there, we do the needful before the distribution,” Tan said during a media conference this morning at the transit centre.
Transit centre manager Nazatulwanis Khorish thanked Uniqlo for this effort that will play an important role in improving the self-esteem of the residents, while also making them feel important and part of the society they live in.
The transit centre, which was officially opened in September 2023 and operated by the state Welfare Department, currently has 47 residents who are assisted by seven working staff members.
The centre operates on a 24-hour basis and welcomes walk-ins for those who require temporary accommodation before they secure a job and permanent accommodation later.
State Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim hailed Uniqlo for spearheading such a positively driven initiative for the residents at the transit centre.
“This is a good way to help the homeless people to feel good about themselves.
“Just like everyone else, they too have dignity, and it will make them feel respected while boosting their confidence too.
“Thank you Uniqlo for this programme and we look forward to future collaborations that will continue to assist in the well-being of the residents here,” Lim said.
It is learnt that about 70 to 100 residents have stayed there temporarily since the establishment of the centre, and many have got themselves employed as security guards, cleaners and so on.
Uniqlo currently has five operating branches in Penang, namely at Queensbay Mall, Gurney Plaza, AEON Mall Bukit Mertajam, Sunway Carnival Mall and a standalone store at Tree Square (Tanjong Bungah).
Also present during the event was Welfare Department officer Roslan Ishak, who oversees enforcement matters.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud