By Mohd Zahid Ahmad Baki
KUCHING: More than 30,000 pieces of clothing donated by residents here are available for free especially for those in need and affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Six Petronas kiosks in the state capital are collaborating in the Raya Clothes Distribution Programme.
According to Petronas Ulu Bintawa and Jalan Rock station owner Masniah Suhaili, the programme is part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) to help communities throughout Sarawak through the slogan ‘Kamek Sayang Kitak’.
“People are welcome to come and pick up clothes donated by all Kuching folks through this campaign.
“More than 30,000 types of clothes are available for the public here including baju kurung, baju melayu and daily clothes,” she said when met by Suara Sarawak at Petrona Ulu Bintawa, yesterday.
However, she said, the provision of clothes for now is more focused on baju kurung and baju melayu as Hari Raya is just round the corner.
People do not have to worry about the quality of clothes because everything is still in good condition, and some even still have price tags, she added.
The programme is expected to continue until the end of April due to the good response from the local community.
“The encouraging response from donors and recipients makes us excited to further extend the duration of the programme.
“At the same time, we also plan to continue this kind of programme for the Gawai celebration around the end of May, one week before the festival.
“However, we may not hold a collection because there are already clothes collected for distribution,” she explained.
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) who need clothes may call 010-2101315 or 013-8031315.
In the meantime, she also shared plans to create a free shop providing clothes, shoes and so on for the community in future.
“But, we are not sure if it can be realised due to the lack of staff to monitor the store,” she said.
If there are any volunteers who want to collaborate they contact her at 016-8705315.