MAIPk allocates RM5.5 million to boost asnaf entrepreneurship programmes

New Straits Times

05-08-2025

IPOH: The Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk) has allocated RM5.5 million for the implementation of entrepreneurship programmes for the asnaf (zakat recipients).
Its chief executive officer Syamsul Hazeman Md Salleh said this included the Asnaf Empowerment Programme (Proper A), which began in 2016, as well as the Usahawan Payung Asnaf (Upaya) programme, a new initiative introduced this year.
He said MAIPk had consistently introduced dynamic approaches for Proper A, including mobile business concepts with full support from franchise brands.
"Every year, we renew these programmes, and what we are doing this time is a little different– providing participants with equipment in the form of mobile services, especially for hair-cutting and mobile phone repair services.
"This mobile service is the result of a pilot project we ran last year, which yielded very good returns for the participants.
"We see the market demand still exists, which is why we are expanding the programme, including the provision of motorcycles," he said.
He was speaking after presenting business equipment to Proper A 2025 entrepreneurs and launching the Upaya Programme at Galasa Vetro Hall here today.
The event also saw the presentation of 50 motorcycles to 25 participants in the mobile phone repair course and 25 more in the hair-cutting course.
Syamsul Hazeman said the Upaya programme had helped 60 asnaf participants conduct business activities in the food sector, with participants receiving assistance in the form of equipment, training, monitoring and continuous guidance.
He said Upaya is MAIPk's newest initiative to help small traders striving to generate higher earnings.
"Upaya is a programme where we collaborate with brands already established in the market, with MAIPk providing participants initial capital, business premises and guidance on how to run the business.
"From there, we equip participants with skills to manage finances and marketing, and we ensure they are placed in locations with little competition so they can penetrate new markets.
"So far, four companies have collaborated with us, but moving forward, we may not necessarily 'copy' the same programme because MAIPk wants to avoid market saturation or oversupply of the same products," he said.
He added that besides the main focus on developing new entrepreneurs through Proper A, MAIPk was also organising short-term programmes aimed at empowering entrepreneurs, with a target of 500 participants.
"These asnaf entrepreneurs will undergo various courses such as financial management, digital marketing, halal certification, entrepreneurial appearance and image, motivational seminars and entrepreneurial direction, as well as mindset transformation motivation programs," he said.
He added that MAIPk was also expanding its entrepreneurship programmes to vulnerable groups, including female inmates of Batu Gajah Correctional Centre and residents of Amanjaya House.
"For female inmates at Batu Gajah Correctional Centre, they are given training in food manufacturing, bakery and pastry so they can earn an income after release.
"Similarly, residents of Amanjaya House may gain skills in hair-cutting and reflexology to help them build new lives after treatment at the rehabilitation centre," he added.