JOHOR BARU: She grew up watching Hari Raya arrive without the comfort of a new baju kurung to call her own, but today, Hijar Liza Ithnin is determined to give others the privilege she never had.
The 40-year-old, who is now an officer at the Taman Desa Belantik National Information Dissemination Centre (Nadi), said she came from an underprivileged family and started taking on odd jobs as a teenager just to buy school books.
“Growing up, my five siblings and I never had the privilege of wearing new clothes for Hari Raya.
“We just wore what we had and never complained as we knew how hard our parents worked.
“Still, deep in my heart, I wished for a chance to wear a nice baju kurung for Hari Raya.
“It was not meant to be for me, but now I hope I can help others experience the privilege that I never got to feel,” she said when met recently.
The mother of three was among those who donated clothes to the “Baju Raya Terpakai” project, a joint initiative involving the offices of four assemblymen aimed at providing the public with free traditional wear for Hari Raya.
“Although the clothes are not fresh off the rack, they are still in very good condition and look brand new. Most importantly, they come sincerely from the heart,” said Hijar Liza, adding that she hopes they bring joy to whoever ends up receiving them.
Hijar Liza, along with her three sons, contributed about 15 sets of baju kurung and baju Melayu to the project.
“I am also a part-time teacher, and most of my students are from underprivileged families.
“I have heard all kinds of stories from them, including one about a boy who had to share a pair of socks with several siblings.
“I hope to give them some cheer this Hari Raya through this project,” she said, adding that her children were also happy to donate their clothes.
The clothes will be made available to the public for free at the Taman Desa Belantik Nadi office; Sudut Kita in Gelang Patah; Pusat Komuniti Harapan Plentong, Perling Mall and Taman Sri Putri between Feb 23 and March 17.
