Kota bharu: This latest series of reports takes up one of MAIWP's achievements, namely the development of the Baitulmal Skills Institute (IKB), a result of zakat payers' contributions that provide opportunities for the asnaf group to obtain skills-based education, thus opening up space for them to build a better career and life. Starting with nothing but finally being able to hold a certificate after joining IKB, clearly proves that the programmes they embarked on not only produced skilled workers but also succeeded in changing lives to be more meaningful.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MAIWP chairman, Datuk Syed Kamarulzaman Syed Kabeer, stated that since the establishment of the institution in 1991, a total of 3,271 graduates have emerged successfully. The institution aims to eradicate poverty through structured Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) training. He emphasized that zakat funds enable the provision of assistance for basic needs, education, health, housing, protection, skills training, and entrepreneurship in an integrated manner.
"This means that a recipient is not only seen based on one problem but based on the overall needs of himself and his family. For example, a child from an asnaf family can receive schooling assistance, follow an education at an MAIWP institution, continue skills training at IKB, and then enter the job market or build their own business," he explained.
The institute has seen 425 graduates complete their studies in various skill fields such as electricity, food service, construction, fashion, and graphic design during the five-year period from 2021 to 2025.
For many graduates, the opportunity to join IKB has been life-changing. The recipient of the Minister's Special Award, the Best Overall Graduate at the 32nd IKB Convocation Ceremony, Alif Fitri Tarmuzi, shared his journey. Before entering IKB MAIWP, he helped his mother earn a living by sewing clothes. However, the Fashion Design and Men's Clothing Manufacturing Certificate programme at IKB helped him further develop his skills, discipline, and confidence.
Similarly, Nurul Alisyah Rashidah Abdullah, the best graduate of the Computer Graphics Arts Certificate Programme, gained valuable knowledge and self-confidence. She highlighted that the institute provided essential support, including a monthly allowance, learning equipment, and free meals.
Khairul Naqiuddin Khairul Anuar, the best graduate of the Electrical Engineering Programme, described his success at IKB as a source of inspiration to develop himself further, with dreams of opening his own company. He expressed gratitude to zakat payers for their support, emphasizing the transformative impact of the assistance provided.
Syed Kamarulzaman highlighted that the most significant success is when zakat transforms someone from a passive recipient to an individual with knowledge, skills, income, and decision-making abilities. Comprehensive transformation occurs when multiple forms of assistance complement each other, ultimately leading to resilience and empowerment.
He concluded by stating that the success of IKB graduates, the development of entrepreneurs guided by MAIWP, and the implementation of asnaf development programmes demonstrate that zakat is capable of building a complete path of change from protection to empowerment. "For MAIWP, real success is when recipients have a stable income, no longer need ongoing subsistence assistance, are able to afford their children's education, have savings and financial protection, and ultimately meet the conditions to pay zakat," he said.