NST Online: StreetsJohor

Posted: 04 Sep 2011 06:51 AM PDT

2011/09/04
By Chuah Bee Kim

Malaysians from all walks of life throng Menteri Besar's Hari Raya open house

THOUSANDS thronged the official residence of Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman on the first day of Hari Raya last week.

Ghani and his wife Prof Datin Dr Jamilah Ariffin warmly greeted the guests who started arriving at 10am.

In the spirit of 1Malaysia, many non-Muslim guests comprising dignitaries and the public were in good cheer even though some had to park their vehicles quite a distance away.

Melinda Soh, 27, arrived at the open house only to find that she could not find a parking spot near the residence.

However, Soh was far from disappointed.

"I don't mind the walk. In fact, I have anticipated the crowd.

"It's not every day that one gets to meet the Menteri Besar and take pictures inside his residence," said Soh from Skudai.

A photography buff, Soh who was clad in a baju kurung, came armed with a camera.

"I will probably upload the photos on Facebook to let my friends know that I spent my Hari Raya holidays at the Menteri Besar's house," she said.

Another guest, Y. S. Tan, 39, said he and his family usually spent the first day of Hari Raya at the Sultan of Johor's open house.

However, since the sultan was not having an open house at the palace due to refurbishment works this year, Tan was prompted to come to the Menteri Besar's residence.

"I am glad I read the newspaper early this morning, otherwise I would have gone to the Istana Pasir Pelangi and Istana Besar. It has been my Hari Raya routine for as long as I can remember."

"But this year, since there was no Hari Raya do at both the palaces, I am here at the Saujana for the first time," he said.

Tan, of Taman Century, added that his family, particularly his 10-year-old son, seemed to be enjoying the food which comprised a host of local delights ranging from lemang to mee goreng and satay.

There was also a vast variety of beverages, desserts and snacks which left guests spoilt for choice.

Another guest R. Suresh, 40, of Taman Perling, was at the Raya open house with his wife and two children.

"I am meeting my brother and my parents at the Menteri Besar's open house.

"This is what we normally do. We will come here to have a reunion, of sorts," he said.

Suresh, who works in Singapore, said he hardly had the time to meet his parents when he was working, so the Hari Raya do provided an opportunity for the family to meet and enjoy a sumptuous treat at the same time.

Many guests were seen leaving the gathering beaming with delight and some guests were spotted carrying takeaways.

Company aims to meet needs of the less fortunate more regularly

Posted: 04 Sep 2011 06:32 AM PDT

2011/09/04
By Shenton Thomas De Silva

Century Total Logistics staff, while visiting a family in Kluang, are seen here helping wheelchair-bound stroke victim Robia Kiwon put on a new sarong. — Picture by Shenton Thomas De Silva

LOGISTICS company Century Total Logistics Sdn Bhd in Johor Baru recently visited 60 hardcore poor families living in Kluang, Machap, Renggam and Ulu Benut, among other areas in the state, as part of its annual Ramadan charity programme.

The company presented cash and kind to the families during the visits.

Century Total Logistics executive director, Datuk Jaafar Mohamad, said the company intends to reach out to underprivileged people more regularly.

"After this visit, we will follow up with individuals or groups with other special needs.

"We would also conduct repair work on homes and help the residents with finding employment, for example," he said.

Jaafar added he was proud to see his staff go out of their way to help those who are less fortunate.

"Several years ago, I had a staff member who spent Hari Raya Aidilfitri with a couple who were abandoned by their own flesh and blood. I'm proud of this person," he said.

The annual programme by Century Total Logistics has always uncovered many sad stories, and this year's programme was no exception.

Kredit: www.nst.com.my

Isnin, 5 September 2011

NST Online: StreetsJohor

NST Online: StreetsJohor

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