MELAKA: THE holy month of Ramadan and the upcoming Hari Raya festivities are often hardest felt on the poor, who struggle to make ends meet on a daily basis.
Remembering this segment of society, Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) reaffirmed its commitment to help them by building rapport with the community through charitable activities.
One of these activities includes breaking fast with the community, via its Majlis Ihya Ramadan TNB and presentation of aid.
This time around, they embraced the spirit of generosity by organising breaking of fast ceremonies with those in need at selected mosques and religious institutions in Melaka.
Besides that, TNB had chosen one mosque, Masjid Ar-Rahmah, Kampung Tun Razak in Bukit Katil to receive a hearse and RM2,000 monetary aid for the development of the mosque.
The mosque chairman Amzah Salam said he was grateful for TNB’s assistance as they had always wanted to have a new vehicle for multiple purposes.
“We had requested for such a vehicle from many corporate companies but we did not receive any positive feedback. It was a good news for us when TNB came forward to help even more so during this auspicious month,” he said.
He said the mosque could accommodate more than 1,000 members of the congregation at one time.
Meanwhile, the presentation of aid in the form of pocket money brought cheer to the 51 recipients which included the destitute, and single mothers at Kampung Tun Razak.
With the aid, they can look forward to a more cheerful Hari Raya celebration with family and friends, now that they have more resources to help them prepare.
Nurhidayah Mahari, 23, said she was relieved to get the aid as this year, her family was still grieving over the lost of their beloved mother.
“I am grateful for the aid as it comes at the right time when I need it the most. Hari Raya will be different without my mother’s presence but the times spent with her will forever be etched in my memory,” she said.
Nurhidayah said she will use the money to buy necessities for the house and to buy groceries as well.
Currently, Nurhidayah is making a living as a sweeper. She had some difficulty getting a job due to her physical condition.
A senior citizen, Normah Abu Bakar, 63, was overjoyed to receive the aid from TNB and the state government.
Normah, who lives in Taman Saujana Seksyen 3 said it was a great help for them as they also want to experience Hari Raya like everybody else.
“Thank you to TNB and the state government for helping the citizens in need,” said Normah.
Normah has been wheel-chair bound for more than five years as she has weak knees.
“I will use the money to prepare for Hari Raya as I am unable to do much work,” she said.
Another recipient, Mohd Anip Borhan, 26, said he wants to save the money and also use some for new Hari Raya clothes.
“Hari Raya is more meaningful for me this year. I will buy new clothes for myself. It is not often I get to shop but this is a special occasion,” he said.
A single mother, Rahimah Mohd Jadi, 57 and her friend Aini Latun, 63, regarded the aid as sustenance for their children.
Rahimah, who is a mother of four, said the children will have a joyous Hari Raya this year with their family around and it was only natural for parents to want to treat their children by buying new clothes and other goodies.
“Life is different after my husband died. I want my children to experience the joy of Hari Raya like they used to,” she said.
Meanwhile, TNB chief corporate officer Datuk Wira Roslan Ab Rahman said for this year, they toured 13 locations in the state to present aid for the underprivileged especially the asnaf (deserving recipients).
“Usually we will have an annual ceremony to present a hearse for beneficiaries which include communities, mosques or charitable associations,” he said.
“This year, we are taking an opportunity to present an upgraded and modified hearse during a ceremony at the mosque. We hope this vehicle can be used for the locals living around the mosque,” he said.
He said the vehicle can also be used to transport the sick and the elderly to receive medical treatment.
Roslan also said he hoped that the pocket money will be useful to help those in need in their preparation for the upcoming Hari Raya celebration.
He was met during the state-level Majlis Ihya Ramadan TNB ceremony held recently. Representatives from TNB broke their fast with 300 residents at Masjid Ar-Rahmah.
Also present during the event were Melaka chief minister Adly Zahari and TNB Melaka head (customer service), Ahmad Rezahan Mohammad.