RETIRED teacher Tan Jen Jen stopped by the tables, pausing now and then to inspect used shoes and cookware.
By the time she left the Air Itam Free Market 5.0 in Penang, a few pairs of shoes and several kitchen items were tucked neatly under her arm.
“I’m a big fan of this event, I got to know about it from Ng’s Facebook page and I never miss it,” she said, referring to Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng Soon Siang.
“The shoes are perfect and I’ll be using them for my pickleball sessions.”
For Tan, the free market is not just about saving money, but also about being part of a community effort that aligns with her values.
“It feels good knowing these items won’t go to waste.
“I will put them to good use, especially during Chinese New Year,” she said.
Housewife Zainab Ahmad was seen carefully picking out soft toys and board games, examining each one before adding it to her growing pile at the event venue, a covered basketball court in Bandar Baru Air Itam.
“These are for my seven grandchildren.
“They’ll be staying over during the Chinese New Year school holidays, so this will keep them occupied,” she said.
The items at the event were donated after Chinese New Year spring cleaning at homes.
Held amid the bustle of the upcoming festive season, the event was in its fifth edition since it started in 2023.
As cupboards were cleared and storerooms emptied, residents were encouraged not to throw away unwanted items but to give them a second life.
Ng said the free market had grown in popularity over the years, becoming a familiar and much-anticipated fixture in the Air Itam community calendar.
“By morning, close to 200 people were already browsing through shoes, bags, books, cookware, toys and assorted household items.
“The event was organised by my service centre with support from partners, including the Lim Association,” he added.
