TAIPING – A police officer is enlisting the help of an unexpected hero to help sell Roti John to help the needy during Ramadhan.
Hafiz, who often comes in contact with the hardcore poor living in the slums, came up with the idea to sell Roti John near the Taiping railway station and give it for free to the children when he witnessed how much they were struggling to survive.
To make his stall more attractive and unique, he has called upon Spiderman to help him sell Roti John and send the earnings to needy children, filling both their stomachs and hearts with joy.
Thanks to the strategic location of Hafiz’s stall and the Spiderman outfit, many residents have flocked to purchase Roti John from him. The stall has been in operation for 12 days and updates are regularly posted on Facebook under the name Waghih Nismilan.
Hafiz is a massive fan of Spiderman and has collected numerous Spiderman merchandise in the form of school bags, clothes, shoes, and socks.
The Spiderman factor
In an interview with Sin Chew Daily, Hafiz said that he bought four Spiderman outfits online, two for adults and two for kids. He said the purpose of the outfit was to attract people to his stall, which worked perfectly for him.
“My stall operates from 4 pm to 7 pm every evening. Many customers would come with their kids and park their car nearby to have a picture with Spiderman.”
As a police officer, Hafiz said that he often toured around the slums and would see many children not being able to have three square meals a day. Some babies could only drink porridge instead of milk due to financial constraints.
Not wanting to see them suffer from hunger, Hafiz and his colleagues would bring them food supplies from time to time.
“Our kind act to the underprivileged has gained support from more and more people in recent years. This year, I decided to sell Roti John and make bread for the children with part of my earnings this Ramadan.”
Spreading love online
Hafiz said that several warmhearted individuals began donating money while buying Roti John from his stall after netizens shared his kind act on social media. Some even ordered Roti John to be sent to orphanages and low-income families living in the slums.
And don’t worry, Spiderman is very much involved too! His sole task is to deliver the donations and pose for pictures before it is uploaded on Facebook.
Hafiz hopes this would serve as a motivation for others to lend a hand in aiding the poor as it requires the whole community’s efforts.
If you wish to be a part of this initiative, you can either donate to the public fund or contact Hafiz via Facebook to know more!
Mercy and empathy during Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim lunar calendar. It is also a month of rahmah (blessing), barakah (mercy), and magfirah (forgiveness).
During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn till dusk and abstain from drinking, eating, immoral acts, bad habits and anger. A Muslim is also encouraged to practice certain acts of worship such as prayer, reading the Quran and doing good deeds.
Ramadan is also a month of mercy and empathy, where it allows us to experience the pain of hunger and the pangs of thirst that are faced by those stricken with poverty and the less fortunate. Muslims are also urged to spread happiness by being charitable and feeding the poor.
Special piece by Aqilah Anuar
But of course, good deeds can be done anywhere, anytime! Be kind to all and stay safe!
Sources: Sin Chew Daily, Cover image via FB/ Waghih Nismilan
Editor: Raymond Chen, Aqilah Anuar
Proofreader: Sarah Yeoh
