BAYAN LEPAS, 13 MARCH 2023: In conjunction with Ramadhan this year, Maybank Islamic Berhad has commenced its distribution of boxes containing essential food supplies worth RM1.4 million to more than 7,000 underprivileged families in 11 countries as a part of its flagship initiative, the Regional Ramadhan Relief Programme, here yesterday.

The symbolic food box presentation ceremony was handed out by Maybank Islamic CEO, Dato’ Mohamed Rafique Merican and witnessed by Maybank Islamic Chairman, Dato' Zulkiflee Abbas Abdul Hamid and Chairman of Islamic Relief Malaysia (IRM), Prof Dr Azni Idris to 150 local beneficiaries here.

Also present were Maybank Regional Director for Penang, Kedah and Perlis (PKP), Zolkefli Awang, CEO of IRM, Mohd Shukor Tahir and Maybank Islamic Board of Director, Dali Sardar.

A mock cheque presentation of RM10,000 was also presented to Masjid Ridwaniah Chairman, Mohd Sazali Mahmad Salleh for the upgrading of the community hall at Bayan Lepas town here, which can be utilised for the benefit of the community.

Since 2013, this community program has benefited more than 96,000 families consisting of the elderly, single mothers, people with disabilities (OKU), individuals affected by COVID-19, the homeless and other underprivileged communities, totalling more than RM 16 million.

In his speech, Maybank Islamic Chief Executive Officer, Dato' Mohamed Rafique Merican, this programme aligns with Maybank Islamic's commitment to invest in the common good and the Maybank Group's mission of humanising financial services across its operations.

He said in recent years, the world has been saddened by natural calamities, including earthquake, floods, landslides, as well as COVID-19 pandemic – all of which had impacted various segments of the society – some more than others.

"We are committed to initiatives that benefit all levels of society, be it through social programmes or our financial solutions and this programme is one of them. Indeed, we are grateful to be able to continue with this programme and share sustenance not only with those in need in Malaysia but also in the rest of the ASEAN member countries and in Dubai, United Arab Emirates where Maybank Islamic has a presence,” said Dato’ Mohamed Rafique.

To ensure the smooth distribution of the food supplies, Maybank Islamic is assisted by five non-profit organisations (NGOs), namely Islamic Aid Malaysia (IAM), Islamic Relief Malaysia (IRM), MERCY Malaysia, Yayasan Pembangunan Ekonomi Islam Malaysia (YaPEIM) and Yayasan Ikhlas.

Among the basic food supplies donated are rice, cooking oil, flour, sugar, and other necessities in preparation for the coming month of Ramadan.

This year, Maybank Islamic has allocated close to RM20 million in funds that will be distributed through high-impact community programmes such as urban agriculture projects, entrepreneurship programmes for students and single mothers, and solar panel projects in Sabah.