ALOR STAR: There were smiles all around as 25 underprivileged children selected their Hari Raya Aidilfitri clothes with their football heroes at Mydin Hypermarket in Alor Mengkudu today.
Kedah FC players Muhamad Kamil Akmal Abd Halim, Sukhrob Nurullaev, Loqman Hakim, and assistant goalkeeping coach Mohamad Helmi Eliza Elias helped the children make their selection.
The programme was organised by Legal Aid Department, the State Tithe Board (LZNK), Mydin Sdn Bhd and Kedah FC.
Shahirul Azwan Abdul Malik, the sixth child in a family of eight siblings, said the aid lightened his parents' load for the upcoming Raya.
"I have seven other siblings so it's difficult for my parents to support everyone."
Azwan, from Kampung Masjid Lama, was thrilled to meet Helmi Eliza, a retired goalkeeping legend.
"I'm a passionate Kedah FC fan, and I'm very happy to meet the state footballers," said the 12-year-old who was accompanied by brother Shahirul Amer, 24.
Azwan added that the best Hari Raya gift Kedah FC players could give him was defeating league champions Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) at home in Stadium Darul Aman next season.
"I'm very pleased with this Baju Melayu, but Kedah FC excelling in the league would be a dream come true for me."
Nur Syazwani Mohd Shukri, a divorced mother with five children, expressed her gratitude for the support provided to her daughters Nur Fasyeera Syazani Fauzi, 13, and Nur Fadilla Sofina, 16.
"I feel blessed. Buying Hari Raya clothes now costs nearly RM100 a child. With two of them settled today, I can now afford new clothes for my other children," said Syazwani, who earns a living selling 'kuih raya'.
State Legal Aid Department senior syariah officer Mohamad Fahmi Mohamad Idris said:
"So far, we have organised three programmes with asnaf children totalling nearly 50 participants this year."
Kedah FC chief marketing and media officer Tajul Arifin Kamal Baharin said the players were delighted to spend time with fans, especially the younger generation.
"Despite having training, we're committed to celebrating with asnaf children, and the players are thrilled to be part of this," he said.