‘Rahmah boutique’ helps the needy

Variety: People choosing clothes at the ‘Rahmah boutique’ in Klebang. — RSN MURALI/The Star

MELAKA: Some 25,000 pieces of clothing have been distributed in a Hari Raya giveaway under the “Rahmah boutique-type” initiative.

Klebang Besar Village Safety and Development chairman Datuk Mohd Yusoff Abu Hassan said the concept was also popular among outstation folk, including foreigners drawn to the Rural Transformation Centre in Klebang here.

“The stall distributing the free clothing was set up on the seventh day of Ramadan and it’s open to all races,” he said yesterday.

Mohd Yusoff said the giveaway would continue until the clothing supply runs out.

“We estimate 30,000 Hari Raya clothing sets to be distributed,” he added.

Mohd Yusoff said this was an annual event to assist the B40 group in the state.

“The items were donated and are of high quality and trendy,” he said, adding that the initiative was also to instil kindness among young people.

“Hopefully, with this initiative, the children will one day repay society by doing the same when they grow up,” he said.

The boutique was launched by senior political secretary to the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin, and Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong, on Thursday night.

Shamsul Iskandar said he would also suggest that the same concept be expanded to other parts of the country.

Houswife Noraishah Bee Raja Patal Othman Shah, 42, came early to select festive clothes for her five schoolgoing children.

“I can’t afford to buy all of them new attire for Hari Raya,” she said.

Security guard Mohd Azrin Musa, 43, said the boutique reduces his burden of buying clothes for his six children.

“These garments are usable and I don’t have to look for money just to buy clothes.

“My salary is insufficient to buy new ones for my six children,” he added.