Ahmad Shahriman (right) and Syeikh Zakaria with the padi harvester in Yan, Kedah.
A padi harvester worth RM298,000 is among donated items that will make life easier for underprivileged farmers in Kedah.
The donation, made to Kedah State Zakat Board (LZNK), is part of a large-scale programme by CIMB Islamic Bank Bhd in support of the asnaf (those eligible to receive zakat or tithe).
The contribution was mobilised through CIMB Islamic’s Zakat Wakalah Fund that aims to upskill local asnaf farmers, minimise the overall production and outsourcing costs of farming padi, and address the nation’s food security challenges.
With the new padi harvester, each asnaf farmer could save up to RM5,600 yearly for each hectare, the bank said in a press release.
Instead of renting local machinery that usually costs about RM120 per relong (a local measurement equalling about 2.9ha), farmers will be able to rent the LZNK harvester for only RM40 per relong.
Also, asnaf farmers can save up to RM24 when transporting a tonne of padi and up to RM10 for the use of agricultural drones.
CIMB Islamic chief executive officer Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff presented the harvester to LZNK chief executive officer Datuk Syeikh Zakaria Othman during a handover ceremony,
Ahmad Shahriman said, “We are pleased to support asnaf farmers in Kedah through our collaboration with LZNK.
“As a strong proponent of value-based intermediation principles, we hope this contribution will enhance the efficiency of padi output and facilitate significant cost savings, empowering asnaf farmers while providing them with a sustainable source of income.
“CIMB Islamic remains committed to pioneering zakat distributions that address global challenges, particularly food security.
“Echoing government directives, we believe the effective use of Islamic social finance instruments such as zakat coupled with the embrace of technology will uplift vulnerable communities by reducing social and economic disparities.”
Syeikh Zakaria said, “We would like to thank CIMB Islamic for its contribution of this padi harvester, which will make a lasting impact to the lives of the asnaf community in Kedah and ease their burdens by helping them find practical solutions to agricultural challenges.
“LZNK will also play its part in providing comprehensive training to the participating asnaf farmers on operating and managing the machine.”
To ensure long-term food security, LZNK set up the Skim Smart Sawah Berskala Besar Asnaf (Smart SBBA).
The programme aims to provide sufficient supply of rice while improving the socieconomic status of Kedah’s asnaf groups via farming work opportunities.
The efficiency of padi planting activities and post-harvest production are also managed through the scheme via the consolidation of land through contract farming.
LZNK is also ensuring food security in Kedah by providing 40 packets of rice to 590 food banks located at mosques across the state on a monthly basis.
Since its inception in 2021, the programme now encompasses 201.7ha of padi fields across four districts – Yan, Kuala Muda, Kubang Pasu and Kota Setar.
CIMB Islamic is among the pioneering banks in Malaysia to roll out this zakat initiative in partnership with LZNK.
This is in line with one of the key focus areas delineated by Malaysia International Islamic Financial Centre Leadership Council Position Paper launched in May.
CIMB Islamic has spearheaded various efforts to uplift underserved communities through long-term growth and development programmes.
These include “Program Keusahawanan CIMB Islamic-Taylor’s”, iTEKAD CIMB Islamic Rider Entrepreneur Programme, CIMB Islamic–International Islamic University Malaysia iTAAJIR Programme, Melon Manis Terengganu Graduate Agropreneur Programme and CIMB MicroBizReady.
