Penang: A total of 20 selected participants received motorcycles through the iTEKAD CIMB Islamic-MAINPP Entrepreneur programme, in an effort to empower the asnaf group through employment opportunities and more sustainable income generation.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid stated that the programme is implemented through a strategic collaboration between CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad and the Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) via Zakat MAINPP, alongside partners such as the Malaysian Youth Foundation (YBM), Taylor's Community, and foodpanda Malaysia.
He explained that the programme not only provides productive assets but also offers training, entrepreneurial guidance, and continuous support to help participants build more stable lives and break out of the cycle of poverty. 'The combination of expertise and roles of each party proves that asnaf development cannot be carried out in isolation, but requires synergy, sincerity, and shared commitment,' he said.
The programme equips participants with a motorcycle and delivery equipment, as well as training in basic financial management, work discipline, and entrepreneurship to enable them to generate income in a more structured manner. This was highlighted during the motorcycle handover ceremony for the iTEKAD CIMB Islamic-MAINPP Entrepreneur programme participants at Bertam Resort.
Mohamad, who is also MAINPP president, mentioned that the programme is driven by a seed fund of RM400,000 in the form of a matching grant, comprising RM200,000 from the CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad Wakalah Zakat fund and RM200,000 from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). Initially, Zakat MAINPP received 151 applications, and the participants underwent a rigorous screening process, including interviews and a residential Entrepreneurship Camp (BootCamp) from May 31 to June 3, 2026.
'Based on the evaluation conducted, 20 top participants were selected to receive motorcycle grants today. The handover of motorcycles and foodpanda equipment to these participants symbolises the confidence that they have the potential to succeed and transform their lives,' he added.
He further stated that the programme aligns with the Penang Islamic Religious Development Agenda 2030 (APAI2030), which emphasizes holistic ummah development covering education, economy, family, youth, as well as da'wah and tarbiah. Mohamad expressed hope that the assistance provided goes beyond meeting immediate needs, serving as a catalyst for meaningful and lasting life improvements.
'The iTEKAD programme proves that zakat can open up opportunities for asnaf to build a more stable and brighter future,' he concluded.