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Ramadan charity work spreads goodwill in Jordan

Tekun Nasional reduces bad debt

humanitarian contributing RM1 million to the Nur Al-Yateem Project through its strategic partner Kedamaian Kemanusiaan Berhad. The project supports 500 orphans in Gaza with essential needs and education. Mohamad Abdul said the initiative, which costs RM1.5 million, is funded by the council and donations from 50 mosques in Penang and corporate entities. It also offers Quranic classes, counselling and academic guidance to help the orphans develop resilience. – Bernama causes by KLANG: The National Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund (Tekun Nasional) reduced its non-performing loan (NPL) rate or bad debt to RM120 million last year, down from RM380 million previously. Its chairman Datuk Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid said last year, Tekun Nasional disbursed loans totalling RM1.1 billion to eligible entrepreneurs and made additional collections from previous loans. “Last year, Tekun Nasional was able to recover what had been loaned and the latest data shows that the surplus payments received have reduced the bad debt by RM260 million. “Tekun Nasional managed to reduce the NPL rate from 12.6% to 9.8%,” he said after a meeting with entrepreneurs at an iftar event at Taman Sungai Pinang here on Saturday. He added that the decrease in NPL shows that Tekun Nasional’s financial education programme in collaboration with the Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency has helped entrepreneurs manage their finances and plan their businesses more effectively, helping them settle previous loans. “A basic entrepreneurship seminar course, regular monitoring and loan restructuring options for entrepreneurs facing financial difficulties, including more flexible payment plans, were also held.” During the iftar event, Tekun Nasional received 27 new loan applications from local entrepreneurs across various categories through a special counter that was open from 4pm. The event was also attended by Yayasan Bank Rakyat Board of Trustees member Faizah Ariffin, who handed out school bags to 150 children from the Kapar area. – Bernama Tumpat to pioneer tech tuition centre TUMPAT: The Al-Falah Madani Tuition Centre, set to launch in May, has had the Tumpat district selected as its pilot location. Dr Muhamad Razak Idris, political secretary to the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), said the centre aligns with government efforts to enhance education in artificial intelligence, technology and information systems. “This centre will be developed in collaboration with various stakeholders and we will seek investors focused on human capital through programmes that enhance skills, development and understanding among students. “We chose Tumpat as a model and pioneer because this area requires further development, particularly in the education sector.” He said the initial phase of the tuition programme will focus on high-potential students to strengthen their proficiency in mathematics, science and technology, Bahasa Melayu and English. “In terms of teaching staff, we are collaborating with existing school teachers and will provide special allowances.” – Bernama

o Holy month best time to help less fortunate, embodies true spirit of compassion and generosity: Volunteer

Ű BY QIRANA NABILLA MOHD RASHIDI newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: As Ramadan unfolds, young Malaysians are stepping up to make a difference through charity work in Jordan, spreading smiles by providing Special Iftar for Ummah meals and Waqf Quran donations to those in need through the Better Ramadan project. For Muhammad Zaimul Aqwa Mohd Za’im, charity is not just an act of kindness but a calling. Despite his demanding studies in dentistry at Al-Azhar University in Egypt, the 20-year-old dedicates his time to humanitarian efforts, believing that Ramadan is about personal devotion and uplifting others. For him, Ramadan serves as the best time to extend a helping hand to the less fortunate, embodying the true spirit of compassion and generosity. “This Ramadan, I had the privilege of distributing the Quran to tahfiz students, providing iftar meals to orphans and the underprivileged, and delivering the ‘Box of Happiness’ to Palestinians. Seeing their gratitude fills my heart in ways words cannot describe.” He said through his involvement with Youth of Strength and Happiness Egypt, he has the opportunity to participate in various initiatives that have touched countless lives. He also said witnessing the positive outcomes of these efforts has been the driving force behind his continued dedication to charity work. “One of the most memorable experiences throughout my volunteering journey has been working alongside volunteers from different countries. “We share the same spirit and determination to help those in need. This experience has truly inspired me while fostering a deep sense of unity.” Muhammad Zaimul said for this year’s project, hundreds of iftar meals and copies of the Quran have been distributed to underprivileged individuals, ensuring more individuals can break their fast with dignity and strengthen their faith during the blessed month.

Muhammad Zaimul said hundreds of iftar meals and copies of the Quran have been distributed to underprivileged individuals. – COURTESY PIC

He said more than 15 countries, including Malaysia, China, the United States, India, Somalia and Egypt, have participated in various projects, with over 100 individuals joining the initiatives. “It showcases how the spirit of Ramadan unites individuals from different backgrounds for a common goal, helping those in need while strengthening bonds of brotherhood and solidarity. “Ramadan brings us together, reminding us that kindness knows no boundaries. The smallest act of giving could mean the world to someone struggling.” However, balancing charity work with his studies is a challenge, requiring careful time management and selective roles to contribute effectively without compromising his academics. “This initiative is among my ways of making the most of my time by participating in volunteer work, with the hope of setting an example for society, especially younger generations. “Many young individuals want to contribute but often do not know where to start. By connecting them with ongoing initiatives, more people can get involved in

charitable work.” He acknowledged that there has been a significant increase in youth participation in charity work as social media, awareness of global humanitarian issues and structured efforts have made it easier for young people to take part. He said to ensure the sustainability of these efforts, there is a need to strengthen support for initiatives that operate beyond Ramadan, adding that encouraging consistent participation is crucial. “With a spirit of unity and sincerity in giving, I hope more individuals, especially young generations, will be inspired to continue contributing to the community. “Ramadan is a month of blessings but the spirit of giving should extend beyond it. Every act of kindness, when done with dedication and sincerity, could create a lasting impact.” Usamah, a 10-year-old Palestinian, expressed his joy upon receiving his first copy of the Quran. “I have never had my own Quran before but now I can read it every day. It has inspired me to start memorising and teaching others what I learn.”

Penang to establish first international Islamic school BUKIT MERTAJAM: In a move to strengthen Islamic education and set a benchmark for quality learning, Penang will soon have its first international Islamic school, Al Mashoor International Islamic School. council, the Penang Islamic Foundation and Al Hamra Integrated School. be a landmark for international-standard Islamic education in Penang.” He was speaking during the Iftar Jamaie event and the launch of the council’s Integrated Management System at a hotel here on Saturday.

Mohamad Abdul expressed optimism that with support from the council and its strategic partner Al Hamra Integrated School, Al Mashoor will set a new standard for comprehensive and progressive Islamic education. “The school will implement the Integrated Holistic Education System and the International General Certificate of Secondary Education syllabus recognised by Cambridge. “Targeting over 600 students, it is expected to

State Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, who is also Penang Islamic Religious Council president, said the school aims to be a model for world-class Islamic education in northern Peninsular Malaysia. The school’s establishment follows a memorandum of understanding between the

Located at the former Al Manshoor Girls’ Secondary School site in Pulau Tikus, upgrading work began in July last year, with completion expected by June. The school is scheduled to begin operations in September. The council has also shown its commitment to