BUKIT BERUNTUNG, July 1 — Efforts to empower the asnaf community have evolved beyond traditional financial aid, as the Selangor Zakat Board (Zakat Selangor) officially introduced its Agroeconomic Project aimed at creating sustainable income opportunities within the agricultural sector.

Developed with a substantial investment of RM26 million, the ambitious project spans 110 acres at Laman Agro Ehsan in Bukit Beruntung, featuring 76 acres exclusively dedicated to high-yield agro-development activities, including modern fertigation chilli cultivation.

The Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, officially launched the project today, which currently involves the participation of 48 selected asnaf participants. His Highness arrived at the venue at 10:00 AM, where he was warmly welcomed by Zakat Selangor chairman Tan Sri Syed Anwar Jamalulail and Selangor Agro Zakat Laman Advisory Committee member Datuk Adnan Pawanteh. Also in attendance were Selangor Mufti Datuk Dr Anhar Opir and Selangor Islamic Religious Department director Datuk Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad.

In his welcoming address, Adnan emphasized that the initiative mirrors Zakat Selangor’s dedication to fostering long-term economic independence for asnaf recipients through comprehensive training, professional guidance, and structured agricultural support. He explained that the 48 chosen participants will undergo an intensive three-year development programme that covers technical training, crop monitoring, and hands-on guidance to equip them to manage commercial agricultural operations effectively.

“Each participant will cultivate a 0.5-acre plot containing 2,000 bags of chilli plants, bringing the total to 96,000 planting bags across 48 plots during each planting cycle,” he said.

According to Adnan, participants stand to generate potential monthly incomes of up to RM4,000 once their crop management systems and production output reach a stable, optimized stage.

Holisitic Support and Strategic Partnerships

The participants were chosen through a meticulous screening process conducted in partnership with the Kuala Langat Area Farmers’ Organisation (PPKKL) to identify the most suitable candidates for the rigorous programme. Beyond receiving top-tier agricultural facilities, the participants are provided with comfortable accommodation at the Prima Beruntung housing area, with all rental costs fully covered by Zakat Selangor for the entire duration of the three-year programme.

Adnan added that the project was brought to fruition through collaboration with key strategic partners via wakalah contributions totaling RM2.07 million from the Pilgrims Fund Board (Tabung Haji), RHB Islamic Bank Berhad, and Cagamas Berhad.

During the event, the Raja Muda of Selangor delivered the opening address, signed a commemorative plaque, toured the active cultivation zones, and spent time meeting with the programme’s participants.

Empowering Participants Toward Self-Reliance

For the participants involved, the project represents a major turning point for their families’ livelihoods. One participant, Norfhadilah Mohd Shafiin, 45, a mother of five, shared that joining the initiative in 2025 had opened vital new pathways to reinforce her family’s financial position.

“This programme not only provides opportunities, but also equips us with knowledge and experience to manage our own crops and build confidence to become self-reliant,” she said.

Another participant, Raimi Rusydi Rodi, a father of two, expressed deep gratitude for the practical agricultural skills and experiences he has gained since entering the programme.

“Thank you to all zakat contributors for giving me this opportunity. I have learned many things through this programme, including crop management and working together with other participants,” he said.

-NMT

Tags: RMS Zakat selangor