All smiles: Guests sitting at their communal tables during the buka puasa event at the Maruebo Tok Municipal Council office in Narathiwat. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
NARATHIWAT: Ninety-seven underprivileged kids and their families from 12 villages in Maruebo Tok sub-district received an early Raya cheer in a heartwarming event.
The children received new clothes, household essentials and money for Hari Raya Aidilfitri during the event that was organised by the Consulate General of Malaysia and the Thailand-Malaysia Alumni Association.
During the event, the underprivileged children, aged one to 15, and their families enjoyed buka puasa meals and participated in a lucky draw.
One of the recipients spotted at the event was Muhammad Ikhlas Hassan, 10, who looked gleeful with his new bicycle, which he received as a lucky draw prize.“Apart from duit Raya, we received new clothes too for the upcoming Hari Raya.”
The camera-shy boy, who lost his father several years ago, said he is living with his mother and three elder brothers.
Muhammad Ikhlas is also studying at one of the religious schools in the district.He expressed his gratitude for being selected as one of this year’s recipients.
Muhammad Ikhlas thanked those who had contributed to and remembered underprivileged children like him.Another recipient, Damia Muhammad, said she was grateful for the contributions.
“With the duit Raya, I can buy cookies and new shoes for the upcoming celebration,” said the seven-year-old.Maruebo Tok Municipal Council Mayor Abdul Rahim Che Soh thanked the Consulate General of Malaysia and the Thailand-Malaysian Alumni Association for organising the event.
“Thank you for sponsoring the event and contributing to the underprivileged children; your good deeds will not be forgotten,” he said in his welcoming speech.
Also present during the event were Malaysian Consul-General in Songkhla, Ahmad Fahmi Ahmad Sarkawi, Narathiwat Vice-Governor Chatchai Usaha and Justice Minister secretary Kuheng Yawohassan.
Ahmad Fahmi said the event is an annual occasion of the Consul-General office in southern Thailand.
