KUALA LUMPUR: RHB Islamic Bank Bhd has partnered with Perlis Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPs) for the annual Program Kayuhan Agihan MAIPs Peduli, to bring significant empowerment to the B40 communities in the state.
The 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 communities in Perlis.
RHB Islamic managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Adissadikin Ali said the bank's ongoing partnership with MAIPs is a testament to its 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," Adissadikin said in a statement.
During the event, RHB Islamic presented a zakat contribution of RM650,000 to MAIPs.
Additionally, the bank contributed close to RM50,000 towards equipping a centre aimed at empowering B40 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.
The project will mark another significant milestone, apart from the previous projects for B40 and asnaf communities in Perlis.
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.