Drive Economic Empowerment through Zakat Contribution of RM650,000 and Capacity-Building Programmes
KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 2024 (Bernama) — RHB Islamic Bank Berhad (“RHB Islamic” or “Bank”) has once again partnered with Majlis Agama Islam dan Adat Istiadat Melayu Perlis (“MAIPs”) for the annual Program Kayuhan Agihan MAIPs Peduli, an initiative that is set to bring significant empowerment to the B40 and asnaf communities in Perlis. This programme includes a zakat payment from RHB Islamic to MAIPs, as well as a partnership with MAIPs’ subsidiary, Akademi Transformasi Asnaf MAIPs (“ATAM”), to support entrepreneurship projects focused on B40 and asnaf communities in Perlis.
During this event, Dato’ Adissadikin Ali, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of RHB Islamic Bank Berhad, presented a zakat contribution of RM650,000 to Tuan Haji Mohd Nazim Mohd Noor, Chief Executive Officer of MAIPs, in the presence of DYMM Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra ibni Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, the Regent of Perlis (“DYMM Pemangku Raja Perlis”). Additionally, the Bank contributed close to RM50,000 towards equipping a centre aimed at empowering B40 and asnaf entrepreneurs in the gadget repair industry. This collaboration with ATAM to establish Pusat Baikpulih Telefon Pintar in Kangar, Perlis will serve as a dedicated workspace for asnaf entrepreneurs venturing into the gadget repair business, with ATAM providing essential skills and equipment for their business. This project will mark another significant milestone, apart from the previous projects for B40 and asnaf communities in Perlis.
The event also marked a significant milestone with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) between Kolej Komuniti Arau Perlis and ATAM for a B40 and Asnaf Economic Development Project. This impactful collaboration leverages existing Asnaf Transformation Centres contributed by RHB Islamic – Harvest Bakery, Sewing Delight, and The Curry-Puff – to offer training and upskilling opportunities to the B40 and asnaf communities. To date, over 150 underprivileged participants have benefited from these three centres, gaining valuable knowledge in areas such as entrepreneurship, culinary skills and tailoring services. This has empowered them to generate additional income for their households. As a testament to this success, The Curry-Puff Centre is able to produce 16,000 pieces weekly, generating over RM12,000 in sales and up to RM3,000 in profit per month.
Following the ceremony, DYMM Pemangku Raja Perlis personally led a 10km cycling tour around Kangar to visit and hand-deliver the corporate zakat contributions to three asnaf families.
“Our ongoing partnership with MAIPs is a testament to RHB Islamic’s commitment of ‘Making Progress Happen for Everyone.’ By working together, we harness Islamic social capital such as zakat to empower asnaf communities and enhance their economic well-being. This commitment to social finance goes beyond financial inclusion, directly contributing to Malaysia’s social development and uplifting underserved communities,” said Dato’ Adissadikin Ali.
“At MAIPs, we share RHB Islamic’s dedication to uplifting Perlis’ asnaf and B40 communities. Our ongoing commitment is evident in unique initiatives like the cycling zakat distribution, which has become an annual event. Beyond just financial support, we strive to understand the daily struggles of the underprivileged community and equip them with the tools for economic independence,” said Tuan Haji Mohd Nazim Mohd Noor.
RHB Islamic’s strategic collaboration with MAIPs reflects the Bank’s dedication to support Bank Negara Malaysia’s Value-Based Intermediation (“VBI”) initiatives, in promoting the utilisation of Islamic social capital to raise the economic status of the asnaf among the B40 community.
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