Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Keluarga Berhad (“Takaful Malaysia”), the FIRST takaful operator in Malaysia, recently lunhed a Corporate Social Responsibility (“CSR”) initiative in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (“MoE”). This initiative, known as the “Di Hatiku Student Food Aid Program”, aims to provide daily nutritious meals to 1,000 Asnaf students in ten (10) primary schools around Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. The CSR program aligns with Takaful Malaysia’s sustainability agenda, focusing on nation-building and improving the health, physical condition, and nutrition of underprivileged students.
Nor Azman Zainal, Group Chief Executive Officer of Takaful Malaysia, stated, “We initiated the food aid program to fulfil our responsibility as an Islamic financial institution in distributing Zakat to eligible Asnaf (tithe) recipients. We aim to create sustainable value in the local community by providing daily nutritious meals and improving the nutrition intake of underprivileged students. Our responsibility and commitment are to assist the Government in addressing malnutrition by empowering these children with healthy meals. This is also in line with the spirit of takaful, which emphasizes helping one another, especially those in need.”
Takaful Malaysia’s Di Hatiku Student Food Aid Program was launched in July 2023. Through this program, Takaful Malaysia supplies daily set meals to eligible Asnaf students from low-income families at their respective schools. The program is scheduled to run until February 2024, covering the school academic year 2023/2024.
“Our goal is to play our part and be responsible corporate citizens by providing nutritious food to empower the younger generation. Recognizing the importance of Asnaf students from low-income families having access to balanced meals at school, we decided to initiate this effort and extend a helping hand. Consequently, we are collaborating closely with the MoE, selected school administrators, and canteen operators to manage and implement the food aid program effectively,” said Zainal.
Each selected Asnaf student receives a complete lunchbox set, and the daily menu is based on the food pyramid for children, including vegetables, fruits, and protein sources to meet the needs of the Asnaf students. Additionally, water bottles are also provided to encourage students to stay hydrated.
“The Di Hatiku Student Food Aid Program aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to eradicate malnutrition and ensure regular access to nutritious and sufficient food, particularly for Asnaf and underprivileged children, to support their normal growth and development and promoting a healthy life. Seeing the children’s smiles as they enjoy their meals is the most rewarding aspect of this program. We are delighted that the food aid program has received a positive and overwhelming response and hope it will continue to benefit the Asnaf students,” Zainal concluded.
