Kota Samarahan – Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) hosted the Corporate Zakat Contribution Ceremony organised by the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) Sarawak on 27 January 2025. The event, held at Dewan Kristal, Student Affairs Building, was attended by Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al-Khalid bin Hj Othman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Student Affairs and Alumni, who represented the UNIMAS Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Haji Ahmad Hata bin Rasit. Also present were the Director of SSM Sarawak, Tuan Ramle Leen, and representatives from the Wan Alwi Mosque Welfare Trust Board.
In his speech, Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al-Khalid expressed his gratitude to SSM Sarawak and the Wan Alwi Mosque Welfare Trust Board for their zakat contribution amounting to RM42,000. The aid was distributed to 60 students and 24 staff members of UNIMAS under the asnaf fisabilillah category. He described this contribution as a meaningful effort to alleviate the financial burden of the recipients, enabling them to focus on their education and careers.
SSM Sarawak Director, Tuan Ramle Leen, emphasised SSM’s commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) aligned with the values of Malaysia MADANI. He highlighted that since early 2024, SSM has disbursed over RM7.4 million through the Corporate Zakat Wakalah Fund, benefiting 11,242 asnaf recipients nationwide, including RM535,000 allocated to 932 recipients under CSR initiatives.
The ceremony also showcased UNIMAS’s dedication to student welfare through various initiatives. Among these were the SULUNG Programme, which provides tuition fee waivers, guaranteed accommodation, and special incentives for outstanding students. The Food@Campus initiative offers RM100 food vouchers for B40 students. Additional support includes the Lemari Madani and Food Bank Siswa programmes, which ensure food assistance is available at faculties and residential colleges. Furthermore, the Care4OKU and Medicare Aid initiatives provide specialised support for students with disabilities and those battling chronic illnesses.
Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al-Khalid called on more agencies and corporate bodies to support B40 students, helping them realise their potential and contribute to national development.
This event was made possible through close collaboration between UNIMAS, SSM, and the Wan Alwi Mosque Welfare Trust Board. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Al-Khalid concluded his speech with prayers for blessings on the initiatives undertaken and expressed hope that the zakat recipients would utilise the assistance for a brighter future.
The Corporate Zakat Contribution Ceremony symbolises the strong synergy between UNIMAS and SSM in supporting those in need. It is hoped that such noble efforts will continue to create a greater impact on society in the years to come.
Photos by Fitzpatrick Anak Ricky Guing for UNIMAS Corporate Communiations