An annual charity programme has committed over RM2.22mil this year to uplift underserved communities via small businesses.
“Harapan Ramadan” led by CIMB Islamic Bank Bhd and CIMB Foundation aims to reach over 45,000 beneficiaries.
The programme hopes to engage 100 neighbourhood general stores near distribution areas nationwide to supply food box items.
This reinforces local supply chains while providing essential aid to those in need, the foundation said in a media statement.
In addition to food distribution, the project is fostering entrepreneurship by providing RM1,000 in seed funding to 50 asnaf micro-entrepreneurs, helping them to launch sustainable businesses during Ramadan.
The recipients include alumni from its flagship iTEKAD entrepreneurship programme and residents of adopted People’s Housing Projects (PPR).
CIMB Islamic and CIMB Foundation chief executive Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff said the programme reflected their commitment to uplifting communities in a meaningful and sustainable way.
“Beyond providing short-term assistance, our focus is on strengthening local participation, supporting livelihoods and creating opportunities for individuals and small businesses to become more resilient over time.
“By mobilising zakat wakalah, corporate contributions and collaboration with community partners, we aim to ensure that the benefits ripple through communities in Malaysia,” he said at the launch in Putrajaya witnessed by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan.
The programme, implemented in collaboration with Yayasan Belia Malaysia (YBM) and Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia (Yadim), provides support to vulnerable groups including single mothers, orphans, senior citizens, B40 communities and persons with disabilities.
It does this through food boxes, ready-to-eat meals and cash allowances, easing financial pressures during Ramadan and ahead of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
CIMB volunteers will participate in food box preparation and distribution nationwide, and host iftar sessions at adopted PPRs.
Present at the launch were Yadim chairman Datuk Dr Hasan Bahrom, YBM chairman Datuk Dr Suhaimi Ibrahim and Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council-Zakat Collection Centre chief executive Datuk Abdul Hakim Amir Osman.
“Harapan Ramadan” is a flagship initiative under CIMB Group’s social impact agenda.
Since its inception in 2022, the Programme has channelled over RM8.7mil in funds, benefitting over 174,500 recipients from underserved communities.
