KUALA TERENGGANU: A clothing and toy trader in Kampung Simpang Tokku here has taken the initiative to donate Hari Raya Aidilfitri clothes to orphans and those in need throughout the month of Ramadan.
The shop owner, Mohd Azrol Azhar, 37, said he felt compelled to contribute because he is aware of and concerned about the difficulties some members of society are facing due to the rising cost of living.
Azrol said to ensure the donations reach more people, he has not set a cap on the age limit or number of eligible recipients.
"We don’t set a limit on the number of recipients. Anyone who feels they qualify as part of the asnaf group can come and pick up clothes for free at my shop, regardless of age.
"My staff and I don’t ask or check if anyone who comes to collect the clothes is eligible. If they are dishonest, they will answer for it in front of Allah later," he said when met at his shop, Spark Hobby's Toys, in Simpang Tokku on Friday (March 28).
However, Azrol, who is also a Performing Arts and Culture graduate from Universiti Malaya, said that each person is only allowed to take one set of clothes for the festive season.
He said that this measure is to ensure that the donations can be distributed to more people in need around Kuala Terengganu.
"We don’t set a limit on the number of recipients within a family. If there are 10 people in one family, they can all take clothes.
"They are free to choose whichever clothes they like. The only condition is that each person can take only one set to give more people the chance to benefit," he said, adding that his shop also has branches in Uptown Pulau Warisan and Kuala Berang.
Although it requires a significant investment with slim profit margins, Mohd Azrol has no regrets and feels even more motivated to help more people in the future.
In fact, he had previously sold complete school uniforms for just RM10 a set to ease the burden on parents, especially those with many children.
Although affordable, Azrol said the school and festive clothes he sells are of good quality and durable.
"This year, I supplied over 100,000 school uniforms. The response was overwhelming, as they were sold out within a week.
"Some customers bring large quantities to donate to neighbours or less fortunate villagers. Others also donate money so that poor students could come and pick them up for free at the shop," he said, adding that he started his business in 2012.
His three business premises operate daily from 9am to 11pm.- Bernama
Save 30% for ads-free and full access now!
