KUALA LUMPUR — Maybank Group today has reinforced its commitment to community empowerment and social well-being by channeling RM9.5 million in zakat funds, comprising RM6.5 million in business zakat from Maybank Islamic Financial Group to the Zakat Collection Centre–Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (PPZ-MAIWP) and RM3 million for the newly launched Federal Territories Asnaf Marriage Incentive.
The contribution underscores the role of zakat as a catalyst for socio-economic development, strengthening family institutions and creating opportunities for underprivileged communities to build more resilient and sustainable futures.
The RM6.5 million business zakat payment will support MAIWP’s ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of asnaf (eligible zakat recipients) through various community empowerment initiatives. Between 2022 and 2025, Maybank Group contributed more than RM21.6 million in business zakat to PPZ-MAIWP.
A highlight of the ceremony was the symbolic presentation of the Federal Territories Asnaf Marriage Incentive, a strategic collaboration between Maybank Islamic and MAIWP aimed at strengthening family institutions and improving community well-being.
With an allocation of RM3 million, the initiative is expected to benefit up to 600 newly married asnaf couples by providing financial assistance to help them begin married life with greater confidence and stability.
The ceremony was witnessed by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Dr Zulkifli Hasan.
Maybank Group President and Chief Executive Officer Datuk Seri Khairussaleh Ramli said the Group believes success should be measured not only by financial performance but also by the positive impact created in people’s lives.
“At Maybank Group, we believe that success should not be measured solely by financial performance, but also by the positive impact we create in society. The zakat payment and the Asnaf Marriage Incentive reflect our commitment to fulfilling Maybank’s mission of Humanising Financial Services by ensuring prosperity is shared with those who need it most,” he said.
Khairussaleh said strong families form the foundation of resilient communities, adding that the initiative goes beyond financial assistance by providing hope and opportunities for newly married asnaf couples to build a better future.
He said the programme is also aligned with Maybank’s ROAR30 strategy, which aims to improve lives and generate meaningful social impact across the communities where the Group operates.
Khairussaleh also stressed that strategic collaboration between financial institutions, zakat institutions and government agencies is essential to ensure zakat continues to function effectively in strengthening socio-economic development and promoting more inclusive growth.
Meanwhile, PPZ-MAIWP Chief Executive Officer Datuk Abdul Hakim Amir Osman said Maybank Group’s continued commitment to fulfilling its business zakat obligations reflected strong corporate governance and a high level of awareness of its religious responsibilities.
“We greatly appreciate the trust placed in PPZ-MAIWP by Maybank Group to continue fulfilling its business zakat through the official zakat institution. This trust strengthens our efforts to cultivate a zakat-paying culture, enhance contributors’ confidence and ensure collections are managed professionally, transparently and with integrity,” he said.
He expressed hope that more corporate organisations would channel their zakat payments through official institutions, enabling greater zakat collection and demonstrating that business success should be measured not only by financial performance but also by social responsibility and blessings.
The programme complements MAIWP’s ongoing initiatives to assist asnaf through targeted assistance schemes while supporting the national agenda of strengthening family well-being, expanding social inclusion and building more resilient communities.
Maybank said the initiative reflects its continued commitment to its Humanising Financial Services mission by leveraging the financial sector to create opportunities, empower communities and improve the quality of life for future generations. —Bernama
