KUALA NERUS: As a result of the severe floods that hit Terengganu late last year, a group of volunteers organised the ‘Pasor Percuma Ganu Kite!’ free market at SK Mengabang Telipot here, to donate essential items to flood victims.
One of the event organisers, Mohd Nazri Nainy, said the free market offered local residents, many of whom belong to the B40 income group and had been affected by the floods, an opportunity to collect various items such as clothing, household goods, toys and schoolbooks at no cost.
The ‘Pasor Percuma Ganu Kite!’ event yesterday was the 35th since its inception in 2018.
The location and timing of each event are determined based on the ongoing needs of the local community, said Mohd Nazri.
“We had a total of 200 donors here who not only contributed goods but also donated cash amounting to RM10,000. This allows us to provide essential items like rice and cooking oil to local residents for free,” he told a press conference at the event, Bernama reported.
The response has been overwhelming, with around 2,000 visitors attending while some arrived as early as 8am, despite the school gates only opening at 10am, he added.
Mohd Nazri said most of the recipients are fishermen from the area who had experienced flooding and coastal erosion before.
Local resident Daud Mohd, 62, said the programme has been a great help after his home in Kampung Gong Datuk was inundated by floods in December last year, damaging clothes and electrical appliances.
“The free market came at the perfect time, as I have been unable to go to sea during this monsoon season. The floods also caused severe damage to my fishing net and fibre boat.
“Thankfully, programmes like this allow me to get essentials like rice, as I have had no income due to the bad weather,” he said.
