MAIS Zakat Plans To Create More Muslim Entrepreneurs

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 27 (Bernama) -- MAIS Zakat Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS), plans to create more Muslim entrepreneurs as part of its efforts to reduce the poverty rate among Muslims.

Source from (Bernama): http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v6/newsbusiness.php?id=917793
Published: December 28, 2012

Its Marketing Officer Fasihah Mat Radzi said the objectives of MAIS Zakat, which was established in March last year, include promoting the entrepreneurial spirit among asnaf (eligible recipients of zakat) and identifying skills training courses and jobs to help them move out of the asnaf category.

"We have many ongoing entrepreneurship programmes under the company, including pasar rakyat (people's markets), burger stalls and mobile food vendors," he told Bernama in a recent interview.

"Under the Product Development and Marketing Division alone, which I run, there are 17 entrepreneurs," he said.

For product development, MAIS Zakat will help with the finance and halal labelling.

Fasihah said to get the halal label, new entrepreneurs must have their own premises, and it would be difficult for those without premises.

"The labels on our products state they are made by entrepreneurs under the guidance of MAIS Zakat Sdn Bhd, so when people see MAIS products they know they are made for Muslims.

"We hope with the labels, more such products can be made for the market," he said.

The company also identifies exhibition sites such as the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (MAHA) to expose the entrepreneurs to a wider market.

The 17 entrepreneurs produce items such as 'pekasam' (fermented fish), chocolate chips, prawn fingers, frozen 'popia' (spring rolls), 'lekor' fish crackers and 'pau' (steamed buns).

To promote their products to the local market and ensure a constant income for the entrepreneurs, the company helps with marketing the products in provision stores near their houses.

The products are placed on racks stating they are produced under the company's guidance, and the entrepreneurs are encouraged to seek five provision stores near their houses.

The programme is expected to begin next month.

Entrepreneurs under MAIS Zakat will also be sent to entrepreneurship courses such as in strategic planning and business documentation, Fatihah said.

-- BERNAMA