Free glasses draw big crowd

A big crowd queuing up to collect their free spectacles after getting their eyesight checked at the aid event by Barisan Nasional at SK Permatang Tok Kandu in Permatang Pauh, Penang. — Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

QUEUING up as early as 6am, Mohd Khusaini Mohd Salleh, 19, and his two older sisters were happy to be first in the line to get their free spectacles.

“We decided to come as early as possible as we were worried that there could be a long queue. To our surprise, people started to gather only after 7am.

“We knew Barisan Nasional was giving away 5,000 pairs.

“All three of us are short-sighted so this event was perfect for us,” he said when met at the event in SK Permatang Tok Kandu, Permatang Pauh, Penang, on Sunday.

Mohd Khusaini said it was a good initiative as many could not afford to make spectacles.

“Spectacles are expensive, especially for those who do not earn much,” said the clerk.

Engineer Siti Nuraizam Lawiya, 45, who came to get spectacles for herself and her eight-year-old daughter, praised the effort by Barisan to provide the spectacles.

“Paying for a good pair of spectacles is a heavy burden and this will definitely help those in need.”

Mohd Zaidi (right) helping a woman check her free spectacles. 

The event created a buzz after a fake poster claiming 5,000 bras would be given free at a school in Permatang Pauh went viral on social media.

Permatang Pauh Barisan chairman Datuk Mohd Zaidi Mohd Said said although a lot of attention had been given to the event due to the fake poster, he believed the crowd comprising mostly of elderly people were unaware of it.

“I have met people who enjoy reading but cannot afford a pair of spectacles. Programmes like these are for those who badly need such spectacles.”

Commenting on the fake poster, Mohd Zaidi said he would forgive the man who doctored the poster.

“I do not know him but he contacted me. I felt that it was brave of him to come forward. It is rare for people to own up.

“He said it was done to share with his friends and did not realise it would go viral.

“He is young and I do not have the heart to take action against him,” he said.

Mohd Zaidi then advised the public to refrain from carrying out such acts.

“Some might take it as a joke, but others might believe it and it will cause unnecessary confusion.”