RHB Islamic Bank Berhad (RHB Islamic or RHB) has reaffirmed its commitment to bolstering the asnaf farming community in Kedah through a new collaboration with the Kedah State Zakat Board (LZNK). In this initiative, RHB Islamic has allocated RM341,000 in Zakat Wakalah for the acquisition of two agricultural tractors and a forklift, aimed at supporting the Ummah Economic Development Project (PPEU) in the region. Additionally, the bank has contributed RM650,000 in corporate zakat to LZNK.
The initiative reflects RHB Islamic’s ongoing dedication to enhancing the living standards of asnaf communities, particularly within the agricultural sector. PPEU is part of LZNK’s broader efforts, which also include the Large-Scale Smart Rice Fields Project for Asnaf (Smart SBBA). The goal of PPEU is to comprehensively empower asnaf through sustainable economic development based on the ‘From Asnaf to Asnaf’ principle.
Dato’ Adissadikin Ali, Managing Director of RHB Islamic Bank Berhad, highlighted, “The Ummah Economic Development Project aligns with RHB Islamic’s Zakat Wakalah distribution policy, which aims to empower the socio-economic status of asnaf communities. By providing access to more advanced agricultural technology, such as modern tractors and forklifts, we are confident that asnaf farmers will be able to enhance their productivity and crop yields, leading to more stable incomes. RHB Islamic aims to continue forging strategic collaborations with LZNK to expand initiatives that have a positive impact on the asnaf community in the future.”
Dato’ Syeikh Haji Zakaria Bin Othman, Chief Executive Officer of LZNK, expressed gratitude for RHB Islamic’s ongoing support, stating, “This collaboration is highly significant as it allows us to expand the PPEU initiative and benefit more asnaf farmers. With RHB Islamic’s contribution, we can strengthen our efforts to create a sustainable economic cycle among them, thereby building a more self-reliant and prosperous community.”
In 2023, RHB Islamic had already contributed two agricultural drones and a tipper truck under the Smart SBBA Project, which benefited 84 asnaf farmers in Kedah. This year’s involvement in the PPEU continues RHB Islamic’s commitment to empowering asnaf farmers. The initiative is expected to improve LZNK’s operational efficiency, facilitate material management, increase productivity, reduce damage risks, and save on operational costs. It is anticipated to have a positive impact on the asnaf farming community and support LZNK’s mission in advancing them and promoting sustainable development.
As part of the ceremony, RHB Islamic and LZNK also visited five asnaf families living in rice farming areas to deliver zakat contributions directly.
This strategic partnership forms part of RHB Islamic’s approach to supporting the Value-Based Intermediation (VBI) initiative led by Bank Negara Malaysia, aimed at enhancing the economic status of the asnaf community within the B40 group. Through this effort, RHB Islamic and LZNK aim to create a greater positive impact on the asnaf community in Kedah and contribute to inclusive economic development.
