TELEKOM MALAYSIA BERHAD HANDS OVER RM10,000 ZAKAT WAKALAH TO USM

NIBONG TEBAL, 27 February 2026 - Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) has contributed RM10,000 in zakat wakalah to Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) during a ceremony held at the Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Engineering Campus here today.

The contribution was presented by Deputy President of the Telekom Malaysia Islamic Welfare Body (BAKIT), Rafiee Yahaya, to Engineering Campus director Professor Ir. Dr Mariatti Jaafar @ Mustapha.

In her speech, Mariatti expressed her appreciation to TM for the contribution.

“On behalf of USM, I would like to record our highest appreciation for this zakat wakalah contribution. We hope this assistance will help ease the burden of families and support students’ needs throughout their studies at USM,” she said.

She added that USM remains committed to supporting students from the first day they enrol as undergraduates, particularly those from the asnaf and B40 groups as well as persons with disabilities (OKU).

According to her, the initiative is in line with the five principles of Maqasid Syariah and six Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely SDG 1: No Poverty; SDG 2: Zero Hunger; SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being; SDG 4: Quality Education; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth; and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Mariatti said the university’s continuous efforts in strengthening student welfare have also contributed to global recognition, with USM ranked number one in the world in three SDGs under the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025 – SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) – and placed 14th overall globally.

“I would like to thank Telekom Malaysia Berhad once again as a corporate partner that continues to work closely with USM in extending assistance and sustained support,” she said.

Meanwhile, Rafiee said that the Telekom Malaysia Islamic Welfare Body is a non-governmental organisation under Telekom Malaysia that channels welfare contributions, including zakat wakalah.

He also expressed appreciation for the support and cooperation extended by USM to Telekom Malaysia over the years, describing the zakat wakalah handover as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen ties and support students in need.

Also present were USM Zakat, Waqaf and Infaq Office director Associate Professor Dr. Anwar Allah Pitchay; BAKIT Penang vice-president I Muhammad Izanie Khairani; and BAKIT vice-president II Afifah Akmal Arshad.

Text: Siti Faizah Abd Halim/Photo: Muhammad Taufik Abdul Rahman