KUCHING: A total of 250 asnaf children will benefit from the ‘Shopping Raya PEKEMA Sarawak Bersama Anak-Anak Asnaf’ initiative organised by Persatuan Pengimpot dan Peniaga Kenderaan Melayu Malaysia (PEKEMA) Sarawak this Ramadan.
The programme was officiated by Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, who is also Santubong Member of Parliament, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri at AEON Shopping Mall here today (March 8).
Speaking at the event, Nancy commended PEKEMA Sarawak for continuously organising the programme, which allows underprivileged children to personally experience choosing their own Hari Raya Aidilfitri clothing.
She said such initiatives reflect the community’s concern and willingness to share blessings with those in need, particularly during the month of Ramadan.
According to her, each child received a shopping voucher worth RM240 to purchase festive clothing for Aidilfitri.
“This initiative not only helps ease the financial burden on families, but also creates joyful memories for children as they prepare to celebrate Syawal,” she said.
Meanwhile, PEKEMA president, Datuk Ismail Abang Saufi said the programme was introduced about five years ago as part of the association’s corporate social responsibility efforts.
He said the concept of Shopping Raya was chosen to allow children to select their own festive necessities rather than simply receiving donations.
“This way, they can experience the excitement of preparing for Hari Raya while creating happy memories ahead of Syawal,” he said.
Ismail also expressed appreciation to PEKEMA members nationwide, particularly those in Sarawak, for contributing financial support, time and effort to ensure the programme’s success.
A total of 50 children participated in the shopping activity at AEON today, while another 50 children are scheduled to take part in a similar programme later in the evening.
An additional 150 children will benefit from the initiative on other programme days, bringing the total number of recipients this year to 250.
He added that PEKEMA Sarawak remains committed to organising more community initiatives in the future while continuing to strengthen its role within the automotive industry.
Ismail also encouraged the children to study diligently and pursue their ambitions so they can achieve success in the future.
