YAN, Feb 14 — Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) has donated three harvesting machines worth RM414,000 to the Kedah State Zakat Board (LZNK) which will be available for use by farmers participating in the Asnaf Large-Scale Smart Padifield Scheme (Smart SBBA) programme in Padang Lumat, Sungai Limau here.
PNB’s Syariah Management head Dr. Ahmad Basri Ibrahim said the machines are donated to LZNK as part of its business tithe payment and the machines can be rented out to farmers participating in the programme.
He said the initiative aims to help the farmers reduce the cost of harvesting and subsequently increase their profits.
“Farmers cultivating padi fields spanning over 200 hectares owned by LZNK here will find the rental cost of the machine more affordable compared to renting from other sources.
“Smart SBBA participants only need to pay around RM60 to RM70 for a 0.3 hectare site compared to RM110 previously, resulting in greater savings, which aligns with PNB’s primary objective,” he said after handing over the harvesting machines to LZNK here, today,
Also present was LZNK deputy chief executive officer (Operations) Mohd Faisal Mustaffa.
Ahmad Basri said every year, PNB allocates a portion of its business zakat to assist tithe recipients and the needy across the country as needed.
“For instance, in Kelantan, we partner with the State Islamic Religious Council to engage in chicken farming initiatives for the disabled community. Similarly, in other states, we collaborate with various foundations to help flood victims and ease the hardship of those who lost their jobs during Covid-19,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mohd Faisal said LZNK welcomes corporate partnerships to develop Smart SBBA projects, aimed at boosting crop yields for asnaf groups in the state.
— Bernama
