GEORGE TOWN: Beautician Samantha Yap was passing by a hall here when she saw a banner with the words “Pasar Percuma” (free market).
Curious, she stepped into the hall and found tables covered with electrical appliances, toys, shoes, handbags, luggage and books.
It turned out she could take anything she wanted without paying.
“This is my first time at a free market like this. I’m surprised by the quality of the items, as many are still in good condition,” she said at the Air Itam Free Market 6.0 held at the Penang2030 Centre recently.
Yap, 38, said she initially felt hesitant about taking any of the items.
“But when I saw the children’s books, I immediately thought of my kids and picked up a few for them,” said the mother of two children aged six and 10.
She said the free market could help families save money while giving unwanted items a second life.
“This event should be held nationwide. I will bring my children and come earlier next time,” Yap added.
Housewife Lynn Ahmad, 59, was just as pleased with what she found during her first visit to the place.
She went through the donated items with a friend before taking home a pillow, a frying pan and a suitcase.
“About 90% of the things we can take are still usable, with some of the items looking almost new.
“I even found a sweatshirt with its price tag still attached. It was definitely worth coming here,” she said with a laugh.
The mother of five and grandmother of seven said the visit has inspired her to contribute her own unwanted belongings at future events.
“Instead of throwing them away, someone else can make good use of them,” Lynn added.
The free market was organised by Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng’s service centre.
“We’ve been doing this twice a year since 2023.
“When people are spring cleaning or de-cluttering their homes, they can send what they no longer need to us,” Ng said.
