ALOR STAR: Kuala Nerang Mara College student Mohammad Noor Syaqimie Jamil, 19, can recall only a few instances when his family could afford a new complete Baju Melayu set for Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
The Sarawak native got a new outfit this year, thanks to the Kasih Aidilfitri programme, a collaborative effort between Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara), EZ Prihatin Foundation, and Jakel Group.
He plans to wear the Baju Melayu while celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri at his aunt's house in Sungai Petani.
"I won't be able to return to Matu, Sarawak this year due to the costly flight tickets, but having a new complete set of Baju Melayu makes it much better," said the fourth of six siblings.
Another 19-year-old, Mohammad Izzul Akmal Jamil, said that the aid was a significant relief for his family, given the escalating costs of celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Izzul, the youngest of four siblings, said:
"The Hari Raya celebration is getting more expensive as it is getting more commercialised. But many of us don't want to miss out, so this aid is a huge relief to all students."
Irene Viviana Tikok was pleasantly surprise that the Kasih Aidilfitri programme included students from other ethnic and religious backgrounds as well.
"Although I'm not Muslim and don't celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri, I'm grateful for such a kind gesture. I really feel included," said Irene, 19, from Kuching, Sarawak.
Syaqimie, Irene, and Izzul were among the 129 Kuala Nerang Mara College students who benefited from the Kasih Aidilfitri programme.
During the programme, students were allowed to choose a complete set of Baju Melayu or Baju Kurung, with all expenses covered, at the Alor Star Jakel outlet.
Present were state Mara director Lailatul Asmah Mohd Tahir, Kuala Nerang Mara College director Faizah Abu Bakar, and Alor Star Jakel management director Zainul Saad.
Lailatul Asmah said that the programme was also part of the Mara Prihatin initiative,
"The feedback from the students has been positive, and we hope to continue this for years to come," she added.
Muslims in Malaysia are expected to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri on April 10.