20 iTEKAD CIMB Islamic-MAINPP Entrepreneur Programme Participants Get Motorcycles

KEPALA BATAS, June 19 (Bernama) -- A total of 20 selected participants received motorcycles through the iTEKAD CIMB Islamic-MAINPP Entrepreneur programme, in an effort to empower the asnaf group through employment opportunities and more sustainable income generation. 

Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid said the programme is implemented through a strategic collaboration between CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad and the Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) via Zakat MAINPP, together with implementation partners such as the Malaysian Youth Foundation (YBM), Taylor’s Community and foodpanda Malaysia. 

He said the programme not only provides productive assets but also offers training, entrepreneurial guidance and continuous support to help participants build more stable lives and break out of the cycle of poverty. 

“The combination of expertise and roles of each party proves that asnaf development cannot be carried out in isolation, but requires synergy, sincerity and shared commitment. 

“Through this programme, participants receive a motorcycle and delivery equipment, as well as training in basic financial management, work discipline and entrepreneurship to enable them to generate income in a more structured manner,” he said at the motorcycle handover ceremony for the iTEKAD CIMB Islamic-MAINPP Entrepreneur programme participants at Bertam Resort here today. 

Mohamad, who is also MAINPP president, said the programme is driven by a seed fund of RM400,000 in the form of a matching grant, comprising RM200,000 from the CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad Wakalah Zakat fund and RM200,000 from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). 

He said initially, Zakat MAINPP received 151 applications, and the participants underwent a rigorous screening process, including interviews and a residential Entrepreneurship Camp (BootCamp) from May 31 to June 3, 2026. 

“Based on the evaluation conducted, 20 top participants were selected to receive motorcycle grants today. The handover of motorcycles and foodpanda equipment to these participants symbolises the confidence that they have the potential to succeed and transform their lives,” he said. 

He added that the programme is also in line with the Penang Islamic Religious Development Agenda 2030 (APAI2030), which emphasises holistic ummah development covering education, economy, family, youth, as well as da’wah and tarbiah. 

Mohamad said the state government hopes that the assistance provided goes beyond meeting immediate needs, but serves as a catalyst for meaningful and lasting life improvements. 

“The iTEKAD programme proves that zakat can open up opportunities for asnaf to build a more stable and brighter future,” he said. 

-- BERNAMA