KUALA LUMPUR: To drive meaningful changes in underserved communities, CIMB Group Holdings Bhd has pledged RM3.6mil over two years across four People’s Housing Projects (PPR) that are set to benefit about 9,000 residents there.
The pledge, for PPR Bukit Jalil, PPR Lembah Subang, Perumahan Awam Seri Selangor and PPR Seri Alam, is part of CIMB’s efforts to support the government’s Santuni Madani - One Leader One Village programme, which was announced in 2023.
Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said the Santuni Madani programme is aimed at addressing communal issues such as poverty, education, health, joblessness and drug abuse, among others.
Amir said to ensure the success of the programme, CIMB has worked closely with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Subang Jaya Town Council, private higher learning institutions, NGOs, volunteers, community leaders, residential associations, and volunteers.
“I hope the 9,000 residents will welcome these programmes, as well as benefit from it.
“These programmes are aimed at increasing the income of residents in these areas,” said Amir during his opening speech at PPR Pinggiran Bukit Jalil 2 on Saturday (Feb 8).
At a press conference later, Amir said that in order for the programmes to be successful, it requires the support of the residents.
“The community must embrace the change,” added Amir.
CIMB Group Chief Executive Officer Novan Amirudin said the programme is based on two central themes - education and economy.
For education, Novan said CIMB will be having a three-year Closing the Gap program to guide 70 high-potential students to further their studies, apply for scholarships and pick the right career path.
“We will also give free tuition programmes for 400 primary school students and about 160 form four and form five students,” said Novan.
For economy, Novan said CIMB will offer a six-month sewing programme to train 120 female residents, which is expected to generate an additional income of up to RM500.
Novan also said CIMB is introducing the MicroBizReady program for 100 micro, small and medium traders regarding digital business knowledge and mentorship.
“The six-month programme is aimed at helping traders to achieve net sales revenue of at least RM1,700 each month,” said Novan.
Novan also said CIMB will be having a nine-months entrepreneurship programme for 40 micro traders in order to raise their monthly income by at least 20% from their present income.
“Lastly, the CIMB Islamic Rider Entrepreneur iTEKAD programme will provide gig economy job opportunities through motorcycle grants and entrepreneurs training to 40 individuals for 14 months, to raise their income by 30%,” added Novan.
Novan said CIMB, through the programme, aims to promote self-sufficiency, create lasting positive impact, and ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities for individuals and families to uplift their economic standing.
“Our initiatives are designed to provide the right tools, skills and resources needed to build sustainable livelihoods,” he said.
“By focussing on economic empowerment and financial inclusion, we enable individuals to secure a brighter and more sustainable future. These efforts create ripple effects that drive meaningful and transformative change in communities,” added Novan.
