Kuala Lumpur:Islamic non-governmental organisations (NGOs) must diversify their funding sources to ensure sustainability and bolster their organisational capabilities, stated Minister in the Prime Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Zulkifli emphasized the importance of professional fund generation, which must be supported by knowledge and skills in financial management, governance, and integrity to ensure that contributions are handled with trustworthiness.

Dr Zulkifli introduced the Professional Certificate in Islamic NGO Financial Governance, through which participating organisations will learn how to secure funds from various sources, including government, public, private, and international avenues. He noted that securing international funding would depend on adherence to national laws and regulations.

At the closing ceremony of the Islamic NGO Financial Governance Professional Course, Dr Zulkifli underlined the need for Islamic NGOs to strengthen their governance, integrity, and financial management to become benchmarks for other organisations. This initiative is crucial for Islamic NGOs to serve as strategic partners in socioeconomic development and community welfare.

The Professional Course, spanning two days, involved 150 participants from NGO top management and was co-organised by the Office of the Minister in the Prime Department (Religious Affairs), the Malaysian Islamic Dakwah Foundation (YADIM), and the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), alongside MAIWP International University. The course addressed fund management, strategic financial planning, regulatory compliance, procurement, and financial documentation and reporting.

Dr Zulkifli announced that the programme would continue with further training series focusing on funding, risk management, and sustainability to foster a systematic approach to NGO management.