Johor, 12 October 2024 – Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (Bank Pembangunan) on Saturday organised a dual initiative called the “Cooking for a Cause” and “Food Basket Distribution” to address food insecurity and provide basic necessities to the local community in Kukup, Johor.
The programme, held in collaboration with Food Aid Foundation (FAF) and Yayasan Ikhlas, is part of BPMB’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Zakat Management efforts. The event took place at Kompleks Penghulu Mukim Serkat, Kampung Sungai Kuali, and saw the participation of 30 BPMB volunteers alongside FAF representatives.
With guidance from a professional chef, volunteers prepared and distributed 500 fresh meals for underprivileged recipients, including the elderly, single-parent families, and low-income households registered under Majlis Agama Islam Negeri Johor (MAIJ).
The ingredients used in the meals were surplus food rescued from hotels, retailers, and markets. In addition to providing meals for underprivileged recipients, “Cooking for a Cause” also serves as a platform to promote team-building and raise awareness on food waste and food security in Malaysia.
“Our involvement in the ‘Cooking for a Cause’ and ‘Food Basket Distribution’ programmes shows BPMB’s commitment to community development and inclusivity, whilst consistently caring and offering support to the needy asnaf group. It’s a valuable opportunity for BPMB to alleviate the financial burden of this group and provide our employees a chance to contribute directly to the communities we serve,” said Sainursalwa Sani, Chief Human Resource Officer of BPMB.
Through this partnership, FAF and BPMB combined resources to address food waste and food insecurity while providing volunteers a platform to support the community. This initiative builds on BPMB’s previous community programmes such as Cooking for a Cause Series 1 and 2 in Klang and Kuala Lumpur, BPMB x Pertiwi Soup Kitchen, and Bakul Runcit in collaboration with Yayasan Food Bank Malaysia.
The programme was followed by the distribution of 160 food baskets to the hardcore poor from eight villages around Tanjung Piai. Each food basket, consisting of essential items such as rice, eggs, flour, sugar, salt, and cooking oil, was distributed to beneficiaries from Kampung Sungai Chengkeh, Kampung Chokoh Besar, Kampung Perpat Timbul, Kampung Serkat, Kampung Sungai Kuali, Kampung Sungai Durian, Kampung Permas Kelapa, and Kampung Tanjung Piai.
The food basket distribution was funded by BPMB’s zakat allocation, as part of the Bank’s efforts to fulfil its obligations under Islamic law. Payment of zakat is a mandatory obligation in Islam, and as a corporate organisation conducting Islamic financial operations, BPMB is committed to fulfilling this obligation to support those in need.
Noor Ain Mohd Amin, Group Head of Group Shariah Management, shared that: “The food basket distribution is a lifeline for many families. Although a short-term solution, it provides much-needed relief and allows them to allocate funds for other essential expenses. Collaborating with Yayasan Ikhlas has enabled us to identify and reach out to the asnaf communities in the area.”
The partnership with FAF and Yayasan Ikhlas, which began in May 2024 and September 2019 respectively, has also helped elevate BPMB’s engagement with local communities. This initiative is part of BPMB’s ongoing CSR efforts to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being).
Separately, BPMB’s commitment to social development was recently acknowledged through its participation in the Santuni MADANI: Satu Pemimpin, Satu Kampung programme. The programme aims to enhance village potential and build community capacity through direct engagement while addressing local socioeconomic challenges.
About Bank Pembangunan Malaysia
Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad was incorporated on 28 November 1973 as a development financial institution. Owned by Minister of Finance (Incorporated), Bank Pembangunan has been accorded the highest rating of ‘AAA’ by both RAM Rating Services Berhad and Malaysia Rating Corporation Berhad. It is regulated and supervised by Bank Negara Malaysia under the Development Financial Institution Act 2002.
With a Group Total Assets value of RM29.0 billion (as at 31 December 2023), Bank Pembangunan is well positioned to meet the financing and business development needs of Malaysian businesses.