Kubang Kerian Umno deputy chief Datuk Muhammad Ghani presenting ‘duit raya’ to Awang Deris, 90, yesterday. On the left is Hamid Kadir, 83.

KOTA BARU: They may be old and wrinkled, but best friends Awang Deris, 90, and Hamid Kadir, 83, still get excited when Hari Raya approaches.

The two are always grateful to be alive and well to celebrate yet another Hari Raya.

 This year, Awang and Hamid, and some 200 others received duit raya of RM100 each from Kubang Kerian  Umno deputy chief Datuk Muhammad Ghani recently.

 Awang and Hamid plan to use the money to buy new clothes, songkok and sarong, something they had not done in a long while.

  Awang, who has been living alone for the last eight years after his wife died, said he had always used his money for his children and grandchildren.  

  “I may be old but I still remember how I felt as a child when I got new clothes for Hari Raya. My children are  all grown-up and married with families. So now I can spend the money on myself.

  “I want to look good when my grandchildren come to see  me this Hari Raya,” he said.

 Likewise, Hamid can’t wait to go shopping with his grandson to buy the new clothes.

  “People may think we are being frivolous spending the money on new clothes, but old people also want to look their best on Hari Raya,”  said Hamid.

“And this year, I can look my best with my new clothes.”