UDA allocates RM200,000 for orphans, asnaf for Aidilfitri

KEPALA BATAS, April 15 (Bernama) -- UDA Holdings Berhad (UDA) through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, UDA Cares, has allocated RM200,000 as Aidilfitri contribution for orphans and asnaf (tithe recipients) in several business regions throughout the country this year.

Its chairman, Datuk Norliza Abdul Rahim, said a total of 800 orphans and asnaf in Penang, Perak, Selangor, Johor and Pahang had benefitted from the programme so far.

“In Penang, UDA donated RM65,000 to 40 asnaf children and three non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to be distributed to the less fortunate in preparation for Aidilfitri.

“The donation is one of UDA's initiatives in reaching out to and strengthening ties with the local community, especially in the UDA business region,” she told reporters after participating in the Syukuri Ramadan programme with the less fortunate in Penang here today.

During the programme, asnaf children were taken to Bertam Mydin Mall to shop for Aidilfitri essentials and received duit raya of RM250 each before being feted at a breaking of fast event at the Crescent Dew Clubhouse in Bertam.

“Hopefully, this small effort will be able to put a smile on their face and allow them to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with joy,” Norliza said.

Meanwhile, a recipient Mohamad Fakry Darwisy Noreezri, 10, said the Aidilfitri celebration would be livelier for him this year with a complete set of Hari Raya outfits compared to only a kurta last year.

 The youngest of three siblings whose father had succumbed to cancer when he was seven, said his mother Noraini Ilias, 43, only sells kuih and the donation from UDA today would help his family to make more proper preparations.

“Last year, my mother only bought me a kurta shirt, but this year I get a pair of Baju Melayu, sampin, songkok and shoes for Aidilfitri. Of course, I am happier this year, thank you UDA,” said Mohamad Fakry.

Another recipient, Nur Sofia Humaira Mohd Hadi, eight, said she has been staying at her grandmother's house with her mother and two sisters after the death of her father when she was two.

“Today, I get two sets of baju kurung, shoes and a tudung for Raya. Normally, my mother can only afford a pair,” she said.

-- BERNAMA