More and more offer to chip in

Tweet offering needy students help to get by grows in following

IPOH: Since he had some extra income, businessman Syed Faliq Fahmi (pic) decided to share it with students in need.

“The idea was on my mind for quite some time but with the recent ‘hostility’ on social media over the Women’s Day celebration I felt netizens could do with some positivity instead.

“My initial idea was to give out free mobile prepaids because I thought that was what students need the most,” said Syed Faliq, 34, who on Monday offered a RM10 mobile reload to 20 random people.

However, after tweeting his offer he found that many people wanted cash for food instead.

“I had more than 100 messages and over 1,000 replies saying they did not need mobile reloads but some cash to get through the day.

“The tweet slowly went viral and other people started chipping in as well,” he said, adding that several notable figures such as Ketari assemblyman Young Syefura Othman and actress Fatin Afeefa joined the cause.

“A telecommunication company has also offered a RM10 reload to 100 users after seeing my tweet,” he said.

The tweet has been retweeted more than 2,000 times and gained over 2,000 likes.

Nur Safina Izwani was among those who chipped in after seeing Syed Faliq’s tweet saying that she was doing it on behalf of her late father and sisters.

“Although I cannot give much, I hope those in need can at least use the money for one proper meal,” said the 25-yearold graduate.

Nur Safina said although there was room for lies or fake stories, she believed in being kind to others.

“If they somehow misuse the money, that is for God to judge. I did not do any background check, but most who sent the messages told me they did not have enough money for a meal. Some even showed me their bank balance for proof.

“Other than getting meals, some students requested money for transportation, books and internship costs, but I prioritised those who are in need of proper food first,” she said.

Creative director S. Inbaraj spontaneously contributed to the cause after seeing the tweet.

“For some students, RM50-RM100 is food money for one to two weeks.

“I come from a lower middle-class family and am lucky enough to have a decent income now. So it’s not a big deal to help the kids,” he said.

Inbaraj said he also offered jobs via Twitter a few months ago and received some 130 resumes.

“I have since hired five new staff through the application,” said Inbaraj, who received about 50 requests for help. He sent money to 10ofthem.

Student Nik Farin Mohd Zarini, 22, also chipped in when she noticed a few students would only eat plain rice without any side dishes.

“It broke my heart when I found out that they did not have enough money to afford a proper meal.

“I may not have much, but I really want to help them,” said Nik Farin, who managed to help six students.

Another student, Hazim Haszman, 20, felt happy to be able to share his money with others although the amount he gave was small.

“I understand when I saw those who replied saying they did not want to trouble their parents by asking for more money.

“I just help as much as I can and I plan to do it again once I am financially stable,” he added.