26-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
IFRC recognises MAIPs for Kenya-based agricultural aid initiative
KUALA LUMPUR: The "Ndengu Revolution" project, spearheaded by the Perlis Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPs), has received formal recognition from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
The recognition honours its transformative contribution to improving the lives of vulnerable communities in the post-drought region of Kitui, Kenya, through sustainable agricultural and community-based recovery programmes.
The initiative, which began in 2018, represents a medium- to long-term recovery effort, involving the distribution of ndengu (mung bean) seeds, agricultural inputs, livelihood support and capacity-building for the local population.
IFRC regional director for Africa, Charles Mbeeta Businge, said Malaysia's efforts through MAIPs demonstrate that zakat, as an Islamic instrument, can function effectively across borders, particularly in strengthening community resilience against disasters and prolonged poverty.
"This project is an excellent example of how Islamic philanthropy can be integrated into the global humanitarian agenda with professionalism and integrity," he said.
He made the remarks during a roundtable session with the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, held recently in Nairobi as part of the Safar Ilmi MAIPs 2025 programme.
Accompanying His Royal Highness were Malaysia's High Commissioner to Kenya Ruzaimi Mohamad; Perlis muftiDatuk Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin; and MAIPs chief executive officer Mohd Nazim Mohd Noor.
MAIPs' work has been highlighted in several international IFRC publications, including The Transformative Power of International Zakat and Your Duty for Their Dignity, both now widely referenced in the field of global Islamic philanthropy.
IFRC's senior officer for innovative finance, Islamic philanthropy and the private sector, Ramya Gopalan, praised MAIPs for playing a pivotal role in expanding global understanding of zakat as a responsive development instrument.
She said that MAIPs is also part of the IFRC Islamic Philanthropy Advisory Group, which provides strategic policy guidance and frameworks for implementing humanitarian aid rooted in Islamic principles.
During the same session, the IFRC expressed appreciation for MAIPs' involvement in the 2018 Kenya Drought Project, which served as the foundation for the long-term Ndengu Revolution initiative.
