KUANTAN: The instant fame that Siti Endon Ismail earned after her pictures in Hello Kitty costume in Teluk Chempedak went viral recently, has given her the rare opportunity to build a new circle of friends.
Siti Endon said people had begun visiting her at her wooden house at Kampung Tengah here and some even handed cash assistance.
The 56-year-old, who came home from the beach at 3am today, said she would be returning to the beach to wear the costume a little late today as she had her hands full entertaining several groups of people.
“I am extremely grateful for the aid that some people provided. Some even told me to use the cash to feed the cats. Only God can repay their kindness.
“I have some new friends and it is a nice feeling to have people around pampering me,” she said, adding that some visitors even promised to visit and feed her cats.
Despite the attention that she has been receiving, the single-mother said she was not expecting a massive change in her daily routine as she is comfortable with what she has been doing all these years.
“Yes, I do earn some extra money...maybe people sympathise with me and are trying to help me. I will use the money wisely.
“Some even offered to help me to find other jobs. They said dressed in a mascot costume does not suit my age and the odd-working hours will make me tired easily.
“However, the job is close to my heart and this is what I enjoy doing,” she said, adding the other super-hero characters at the beach are already like a family to her.
Siti Endon said even when she opens a small shop in the future, she will still put on the mascot costume and maybe try to raise awareness on animals, especially cats.
Asked if she was receiving more customers for photographs at the beach, Siti Endon replied people especially children are commonly fond of cats or those dressed in cat costumes.
Meanwhile she said the beach was crowded due to the Chinese New Year break and school holidays last night and she did not mind the long walk along the stretch as this was a golden opportunity for her to make some extra money.
“You will not see such a huge crowd always. In fact the recent viral images has made me a little popular as many people approached me asking about the pictures and the cats,” she said.
She gained popularity after an image of a despondent-looking Siti Endon clad in a Doraemon costume with her head looking down to the ground had gone viral on social media with many netizens sympathising with her.
Those, who plan to donate to Siti Endon can channel their donations, via her CIMB account 7612146453.