AmBank Islamic Berhad (AmBank Islamic) recently contributed RM498,000 of business Zakat to Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) to alleviate the burden of the low-income group who were severely impacted following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Chairman of AmBank Islamic, Dato’ Sri Hamidy Abdul Hafiz said, “As part of our journey to become a value based intermediary (VBI), AmBank Islamic is committed to assist the affected groups during these unprecedented times. Hence, the institutionalisation of our zakat mobilisation would help to ease the burden of the low-income group in a more sustainable manner.”
The Zakat will be distributed to close to 300 AIM members consisting of asnaf from low-income group. Each recipient will receive cash assistance of up to RM300 per month for six months to support their daily expenses or business needs.
Dato’ Sulaiman Mohd Tahir, Group Chief Executive Officer, AmBank Group said, “In addition to meeting their daily expenses, we understand that AIM members whose business were affected by the pandemic, would use the contribution to support their businesses.”
Eqhwan Mokhzanee, Chief Executive Officer, AmBank Islamic, added “As we navigate through the post-pandemic period, social finance as advocated by VBI principles would create a greater impact towards community empowerment and this can be driven by our constant efforts in re-thinking our zakat strategies.”
“This contribution is one of AmBank Islamic’s efforts in creating stewardship for ‘entrepreneurs’ amongst the underserved segment, such as hawkers and petty traders.”
As a caring and responsible financial institution, AmBank Islamic has played its role in not only assisting affected customers but also the community at large through various contributions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
