Bank employees and members of the public joined the Bank’s fundraising efforts to support communities in need

Kuala Lumpur, 22 October 2021 - Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad (“Alliance Bank” or the “Bank”) recently successfully raised funds through its Solidarity with Our Community campaign to provide more than 1,300 food boxes and necessities to vulnerable communities.

The campaign saw Alliance Bank’s employees, management and the Malaysian public raise funds and support local communities impacted by the pandemic. The Bank matched employees’ and the community’s fundraising efforts by providing a 2-to-1 match for every ringgit donated. Funds were raised via SocioBiz, Alliance Islamic Bank’s Shariah-compliant social crowdfunding platform.

According to En. Rizal IL-Ehzan Fadil Azim, Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Islamic Bank, “As a bank, we are part of the community. We have an important role to preserve the wellbeing of society and improve the lives of people in communities in which we operate. In these times when there are those among us who struggle to make ends meet, it is important that we come together as a community to do what we can to ease burdens. This is why we pledged to provide a 2-to-1 match for every ringgit donated through the Solidarity with Our Community campaign. True to our campaign’s name, it was indeed heartening to see our employees, partners, stakeholders, and the public come together to lift up community members in need during this campaign.”

The Bank collaborated with Yayasan Kebajikan Negara (YKN) to identify those adversely impacted by the pandemic and critically need assistance. Beneficiaries of this initiative include communities in Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) areas, other recipients in the B40 segment, as well as organisations like Persatuan Orang Buta Malaysia and Persatuan Ibu Tunggal.

The food boxes are customised according to the beneficiaries’ needs. A basic food box worth RM100 comprises an assortment of dry food items for a family of four to last for about a month. Families with young children also receive formula milk, while elderly couples will have ready-to-eat and easy-to-prepare foodstuff in their packages. All food boxes bear a QR code that links to an informative website on how to get help and emotional support for mental health.

Sepang Estate representative receiving the food boxes for the families within the estate compound from Alliance Bank’s charity partner Yayasan Kebajikan Negara.

En. Rizal added, “The pandemic and various movement restrictions have meant that many people experience mental stress, more so when family livelihoods have been disrupted. Beyond food and necessities, we also use the food boxes to raise awareness on mental health support. We hope this effort can help alleviate distress among the recipients.”

According to Puan Nordina Haron, Chief Executive Officer of Yayasan Kebajikan Negara Malaysia, “We are pleased to once again collaborate with Alliance Bank on a community project. We worked closely with Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM), Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan, residents associations and other non-governmental organisations to identify the beneficiaries for this campaign. Public-private partnerships like this enable us to enhance the quality of life for Malaysians who are in need, more so in today’s challenging environment.”

Recent data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia showed a slight improvement in the unemployment rate (4.8%) in the second quarter of 2021 when compared to 5.1% in the second quarter of 20201. However, 580,000 households from the middle 40% (M40) income group have slipped into the bottom 40% (B40) category2. Malaysians’ salaries and wages also continue to experience stress; in 2020, the mean monthly salaries and wages declined by 9% compared to 2019³.

If you would like to contribute to the Bank’s community empowerment initiatives, please scan the QR code below or visit https://www.alliancebank.com.my/sociobiz.

¹Malaysia’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.8% in second quarter, says Saravanan - The Star, 14 Sep 2021

²Over half a million M40 households are now B40, says PM - New Straits Times, 21 Sep 2021

³Malaysians’ mean salaries and wages dipped 9% last year, first decline since 2010 - Channel News Asia, 14 July