Single parents among 400 given festive aid in Kepala Batas

THE loss of her husband seven months ago was a devastating blow for Nor Azian Ahmad, 45, who is now left to care for her six children.

However, the housewife found herself uplifted by the kindness of others, namely the Kepala Batas Unity government secretariat who gave her homemade Raya cookies and duit raya.

“I am thankful for this assistance as I was left without any support after my husband died.

“Luckily, the secretariat helped our family,” she said.

Nor Azian, who lives in Kampung Permatang Manggis with her children aged eight to 18, is seeking employment.

Her late spouse, a lorry driver, died from a heart attack.

Single mothers and their children who received much needed aid to buy festive essentials.

Single mother Rahimah Abdul Rahim, 45, was spotted smiling with her daughter Nur Qaseh Qalisya Sharudin, 10, after receiving alms from the secretariat.

“Thanks to Allah, this Hari Raya will be more meaningful with the assistance, especially for my daughter,” said Rahimah, who lost her husband three years ago.

Rahimah and Nor Azian were among 400 people who received the aid during “Kasih Ramadan Ceria Aidilfitri” event held at the Dewan Kompleks Sukan MBSP in Bertam, in the Kepala Batas constituency.

Bertam assemblyman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said the event was part of a tradition started by the Kepala Batas Umno branch during the tenure of former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

“This is the first time we are holding the event with our coalition partner from the unity government,” said Reezal.

He also took the opportunity to express gratitude for the commitment by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to see Penang achieve zero hardcore poverty by June.

Also present at the event were party leaders from Kepala Batas Pakatan Harapan and Umno.