KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 (Bernama) -- The Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) continues its tradition of spreading Ramadan goodwill by reaching out to underprivileged children and the homeless through the Ramadan Kasih PKNS Educational Aid Programme at Rumah Ilmu, Chow Kit here.

Its Corporate Services senior general manager Sapna Turmidi, said this year’s initiative took a different approach by focusing on education, providing school supplies to children from the homeless community.

“Although this programme is held in conjunction with Ramadan, we wanted to ensure these children start their school year with the right essentials. We have provided school supplies to 45 children, aged between seven and 17, from Rumah Ilmu,” she said.

“The assistance includes school bags complete with stationery to help them prepare for the 2025 academic session. The total contribution amounted to RM4,500, with RM100 allocated per child,” she said after the event tonight.

The school bags were presented by PKNS deputy group chief executive officer (Corporate), Suhaimi Kasdon. Also present was group chief financial officer, Dr Azlina Jaapar, along with 20 PKNS volunteers.

To further uplift the festive spirit, Sapna shared that PKNS had taken the children shopping for Raya attire on Feb 22 at PKNS Complex, Shah Alam

"Last Saturday, we treated them to a shopping trip with a budget of RM300 per child, ensuring they each received a full set of festive clothing. Their excitement was clear as they carefully chose their baju raya, a moment that truly brought happiness to them," she said

PKNS has also planned a special iftar gathering for the children on March 11, where they will have the opportunity to wear their newly bought Raya outfits.

"We hope these efforts will not only bring joy but also motivate them to strive for a better future through education," she added.

Meanwhile, the founder of Pertubuhan Jejak Jalanan, Azhan Adnan, 56, expressed heartfelt gratitude to PKNS for their support of the underprivileged children in Chow Kit.

“Even though Chow Kit falls under the Federal Territory, it is Selangor’s people who have stepped in to help. This year’s initiative feels extra special, as all 45 children were given the chance to pick out their own Raya clothes with a generous budget,” he said.

"Alhamdulillah, I extend my sincere thanks to PKNS for their contributions towards education, festive clothing, and the upcoming iftar invitation. It’s important to bring joy to these children, reminding them that there are people who genuinely care about their well-being," he added.

-- BERNAMA