KLANG, March 2 — The Aidilfitri contribution from Yayasan Islam Darul Ehsan (YIDE) today rekindled the smile of 15-year-old Muhammad Alexander Hanafi, who lost both his parents to Covid-19 five years ago.
Since the loss of his loved ones, the annual Hari Raya celebration has felt empty and no longer as festive as before for the teenager, who now lives with his grandmother in Telok Gadong.
“Previously, I didn’t really feel the spirit to celebrate Hari Raya because my parents are no longer around,” he said when met at the Santunan Anak-Anak Yatim programme at Masjid Kampung Raja Uda here yesterday.
However, this year feels different.
“I feel more excited for Raya,” he said briefly.
For Alexander, the Aidilfitri contribution he received is not merely cash assistance, but a symbol of society’s concern for orphans tested by loss at a young age.
The teen harbours dreams of becoming a chef due to his deep interest in cooking and plans to pursue culinary studies after completing school.
Another recipient, Noor Shaza Syazwina Muhamad Shahrizan, 15, also expressed her gratitude for the assistance received.
“I’m happy and grateful. Thank you to everyone who contributed, we truly appreciate it,” she said.
The teenager, who lives with her mother, said the aid would be used to buy clothes and other necessities for Hari Raya.
Earlier, Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah officiated the presentation of duit raya contributions to 679 orphans at the same event at Masjid Kampung Raja Uda.
In total, 2,218 orphans in the Klang district received Aidilfitri contributions amounting to RM332,700 from YIDE, with each recipient receiving RM150 in conjunction with Ramadan and this year’s Aidilfitri celebration.
