Takaful IKHLAS, LZNK Channel RM73,800 In Takaful Protection For 615 Asnaf Micro-Entrepreneurs

ALOR SETAR, Nov 2 (Bernama) -- Takaful Ikhlas Family Berhad (Takaful IKHLAS), in collaboration with the Kedah Zakat Board (LZNK), has channelled RM73,800 in takaful protection contributions to 615 asnaf micro-entrepreneurs in Kedah through the i-TEKAD Protection programme.

The programme aims to expand access to financial protection for asnaf micro-entrepreneurs participating in entrepreneurship development programmes under LZNK's supervision, while helping them cope with unforeseen financial risks.

The programme was launched by Takaful Ikhlas Family Berhad president and chief executive officer Wan Ahmad Najib Wan Ahmad Lotfi and LZNK deputy chief executive officer Dr Mohd Faisal Mustaffa at Menara Zakat here today.

Wan Ahmad Najib said the protection contributions comprised funds from Takaful IKHLAS participants through its Syariah-compliant fund collection and distribution platform, IKHLAS Barakah House (IBH), contributions from LZNK and a government grant through Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).

He said the strategic collaboration reflected efforts by Islamic financial institutions and zakat agencies to widen access to financial protection among those in need, particularly asnaf micro-entrepreneurs.

“Financial protection is not only important in helping participants cope with unforeseen risks, but also plays a role in strengthening financial resilience and supporting the economic development of local communities.

“At Takaful IKHLAS, we believe that comprehensive financial protection should be accessible to all segments of society, including micro-entrepreneurs and asnaf who are striving to build a better life,” he said.

Through the programme, Takaful IKHLAS not only provided takaful protection but also supported efforts to strengthen financial resilience and promote the economic development of local communities.

He said the i-TEKAD programme was a BNM social finance initiative aimed at helping low-income micro-entrepreneurs improve their livelihoods through training, financing and financial protection.

Under the i-TEKAD protection plan, participants are entitled to a death or total and permanent disability benefit of RM10,000 for incidents arising from natural causes, with an additional RM10,000 in cases resulting from accidents.

Wan Ahmad Najib added that participants were also eligible for a hospitalisation benefit of RM50 per day for up to 21 days, as well as opportunities to participate in financial literacy education and awareness programmes to enhance their knowledge of financial management and future protection planning.

The takaful coverage was provided for a period of one year to help participants and their families cope with unforeseen circumstances that could affect their financial stability.

“The programme is implemented through IBH, which focuses on five key pillars, namely economic development, health and well-being, community empowerment, education enhancement and environmental sustainability,” he said.

He added that IBH funds were sourced from business zakat, surpluses from financial distributions and contributions from Takaful IKHLAS protection plan participants.

Takaful IKHLAS, a wholly owned subsidiary of MNRB Holdings Berhad, provides Syariah-compliant financial protection services through its family takaful and general takaful products.

The company has 13 regional offices, nearly two million registered takaful participants and more than 7,000 registered agents nationwide.

-- BERNAMA