ALOR SETAR: Takaful Ikhlas Family Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MNRB Holdings Bhd, launched the i-Tekad programme in Kedah through a strategic collaboration with Lembaga Zakat Negeri Kedah (LZNK) as part of its efforts to expand access to takaful protection for asnaf micro-entrepreneurs participating in entrepreneurship development programmes under LZNK.
The programme was officiated by Takaful Ikhlas Family Bhd president and chief executive officer Wan Ahmad Najib Wan Ahmad Lotfi, together with LZNK deputy chief executive officer Dr Mohd Faisal Mustaffa, in the presence of 100 asnaf micro-entrepreneurs.
Through this collaboration, a total of 615 asnaf micro-entrepreneurs will receive takaful protection under the i-Tekad Protection Plan, with an overall protection contribution valued at RM73,800.
The RM73,800 protection contribution is made possible through the collaboration of multiple stakeholders, involving contributions from Takaful Ikhlas participants through its Shariah compliant fundraising and distribution platform, Ikhlas Barakah House (IBH), contributions from LZNK and government grants provided through funds managed by Bank Negara.
The i-Tekad programme is a social finance initiative by Bank Negara aimed at helping low-income micro-entrepreneurs improve their standard of living through training, financing and financial protection.
As a participating takaful operator, Takaful Ikhlas provides affordable takaful protection for the targeted group for a one-year period, helping participants and their families manage unexpected financial risks.
“This strategic collaboration with LZNK demonstrates how Islamic financial institutions and zakat agencies can work hand in hand to create a positive and lasting social impact for those in need,” said Wan Ahmad Najib.
“At Takaful Ikhlas, we believe that comprehensive financial protection should be accessible to all segments of society, including micro-entrepreneurs and asnaf individuals striving to build a better future.
“Through this programme, Takaful Ikhlas not only provides takaful protection but also supports efforts to strengthen financial resilience and promote the economic development of local communities.”
Under the i-Tekad Protection Plan, participants are entitled to receive a Death or Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Benefit of RM10,000 due to natural causes, with an additional RM10,000 in the event of death or TPD resulting from an accident.
Participants are also eligible for a Hospitalisation Benefit of RM50 per day, up to a maximum of 21 days, as well as opportunities to participate in financial literacy and awareness programmes to enhance their understanding of financial management and future financial protection planning.
The implementation of the i-Tekad programme by Takaful Ikhlas is coordinated through IBH, focusing on expanding social impact through five key pillars: economic development, health and well-being, community empowerment, educational advancement and environmental sustainability. IBH funds are sourced from the company’s business zakat, surplus financial distributions and contributions from Takaful Ikhlas participants.
