A Jeddah-based Indian businessman has set a good example by writing off the rents of several flats and shops in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts of Kerala to alleviate economic difficulties being suffered by traders and tenants as a result of nationwide Covid 19 lockdown. Speaking to Saudi Gazette, Sulaiman Haji, managing director of KPS Group, said his company would not collect rents for its shops in Areacode, Edavanna, Kizhisseri, Kangadi, Edavannappara, Ramanattukara, Nallalam and Manjeri and for its flats in Kozhikode from March 15 to April 15. "I will consider extending this concession if the present situation continues. I know the plight of traders following the lockdown imposed by the government to contain Covid 19 virus. I don't want to collect any rent from them during these trying times," he explained. Sulaiman, a well known philanthropist, hoped his decision would encourage other property owners to take similar decisions for the benefit of people hit by the virus that has killed nearly 20,000 people worldwide. The businessman's humanitarian gesture would benefit more than 500 traders and tenants in the two districts of the south Indian state where authorities have taken strict measures to stop Covid 19. Sulaiman who owns two schools in Jeddah has recently received the foreign investor license from the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority. An ardent supporter of communal harmony, Sulaiman donated a considerable amount for the renovation of a temple in his home town. He offered to bear the cost of copper plating to be laid out atop the 400-year old Muthuvallur Durga Bhagavati Temple near Kondotty.
