Malaysians open wallets, give back to community at free markets

Faizatul Akmal Shamsuddin says this is her first time at the Putrajaya free market, adding that it was enjoyable meeting new people. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Kamal Ariffin, January 24, 2016.

The rising cost of living has not dampened the generosity of Malaysians who dug into their pockets to help others in need, even with a sour economy.

Driven by a desire to give back to the community, these people joined others to set up stalls at the free market in Putrajaya last Sunday, but instead of only offering used clothes or unwanted items, they also gave away new items. 

Peter Ho, 38, together with three friends, collected about RM300 to buy grocery items, such as flour, sugar, salt, milk powder as well as baby clothes, which they gave away at the free market. 

“There are four of us. We are just a bunch of friends who came together to do our part for others, and we bought things that people can use daily. 

“The reason I am here is because I want to give back to the community.

“We are blessed and we want to share the blessings,” he told The Malaysian Insider when met at the Putrajaya free market.

The free market is an initiative conceived by social activist Syed Azmi Alhabshi. The novel concept was born out of a desire to bring people together, regardless of race, religion and socio-economic background. 

The concept is akin to a flea market, except that everything is given for free.

Faizatul Akmal Shamsuddin, 45, said she got her family together to buy groceries and school items, which cost nearly RM500.

“But I also gave out unwanted items like clothes and bags, it’s just that for things like stationery, I bought new ones.

“I also made some kuih and drinks,” she said, adding that the Putrajaya free market was her first experience at such an event.

Faizatul said she participated because she felt it was time to give back to the community and found it an enjoyable experience meeting new people.

Syed Azmi said the free market was proof that individuals could hold such events, with little cost. 

“But it’s a bit of challenge for us to find a venue because most people don’t believe that individuals can pull off events like this.

Isa Nawawi was a participant at the Free Market Festival in Putrajaya on January 17. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Kamal Ariffin, January 24, 2016.“The initial objective was to get people to talk to each other, even though you don’t know each other. The most important thing is kindness.”

The concept evolved on its own, as Syed Azmi found that although the original idea was to give away unwanted items, people were willing to fork out money to buy new items for those who needed them.

“I think they were just excited to be part of the community. We asked them why they bought more when they have given enough (and) they say they just feel good giving out more.”

Between 60 and 70 free markets were held in the peninsula last year. Last Sunday’s event in Putrajaya was one of the biggest so far with an attendance of more than 2,000 people. 

Free market events are promoted on a public Facebook group page called #FreeMarket.

Syed Azmi said he was impressed with those who were willing to spend their own money to buy items to give out despite the current economic situation. 

“I believe Malaysians are too generous, we are not an NGO but they trust us to hold this. I think it all comes down to transparency.

“I believe more Malaysians are joining us because they want to feel good, everything else has been too dark and also perhaps they are fed up with the current state of affairs in the country. 

“This thing gives pure joy to the people,” he said, adding that majority who came to free markets were from the middle class.

- TMI