UCSI University students and Mydin staff hard at work stirring pots of porridge. — Photos: RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
SHOPPER Zulhelmi Razali was thrilled when his family’s annual trip to Mydin Subang Jaya in Selangor came with a bonus of free bubur lambuk, courtesy of the home-grown hypermarket brand.
“I usually do my grocery shopping at Mydin Putrajaya which is closer to home.
“But my family will make a yearly outing to Mydin Subang Jaya for our Hari Raya Aidilfitri preparations as it is a bigger store that offers greater variety,” said the Putrajaya resident.
“My wife and I will ensure our four children get at least one set of festive clothes before we get something for ourselves. We’ll also shop for some groceries.”
While Zulhelmi had been visiting the hypermarket for years, the 39-year-old said this year he was lucky enough to snag four packs of bubur lambuk for his family, which they will consume at the breaking of fast.
Ameer Ali (right) getting hands-on distributing bubur lambuk and 100 Plus drinks to shoppers at Mydin Subang Jaya.
According to Mydin, a total of 10,000 packs of bubur lambuk were distributed at 27 of its Klang Valley stores, including 3,000 packs in Subang Jaya.
“The bubur lambuk programme is our way of giving back to the community to thank them for their support,” said Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd managing director Datuk Ameer Ali Mydin at Mydin Subang Jaya.
“We are also grateful to have the support of suppliers and partners that sponsored ingredients and drinks to go with the distribution.”
He said these included Indra Valley rice, 100 Plus drinks from F&N Beverages, Saji cooking oil, Anchor butter and Bestari chicken stock.
The bubur lambuk was cooked in 22 large pots led by Chef Fadzly from UCSI University, alongside his students and Mydin staff.
“The cooking used to be done simultaneously at several Mydin stores, but we’ve found it to be more cost effective to cook at one location and then distribute to the other stores,” said Ameer Ali.
“More importantly, the programme is done with good intentions and it’s nice to observe the cooking process done with a community spirit.”
Ameer Ali, who is also Bumiputra Retailers Association president, said non-governmental organisations and corporations liked to have their charity events at Mydin as the store’s products were affordably priced and it offered complimentary use of facilities and amenities such as stage and public address system.
He also believes it is better for charity recipients to have the option of shopping for what they prefer.
“Some may favour getting new everyday clothes rather than baju raya for the festive season, as the former is more practical.”
