KUCHING: A zakat contribution of nearly RM3.5 million was made by the Maybank Group to support development initiatives and provide aid to those in need in Sarawak.

Maybank Group President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato' Khairussaleh Ramli said this contribution marks a significant increase from the RM2.2 million donated last year, which reflects Maybank's ongoing commitment to Sarawak’s development efforts.

"Maybank is very active in Sarawak through our various business activities. Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg has outlined the state's direction in terms of sustainability, clean energy, logistics, and many more.  

“And with that, we also reinforce our commitment to continue collaborating with the Sarawak government and companies in the state to further develop the economy in Sarawak,” he said. 

He said this when met by reporters after paying a courtesy call on Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari at Wisma Bapa Malaysia, on Friday.

Meanwhile, Dato' Khairussaleh said Maybank operates 32 branches across Sarawak, including auto centres and business banking facilities, with a workforce of over 900 employees dedicated to supporting these efforts.

Also present were Sarawak Deputy State Secretary (Economic Planning and Development), Datu Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, President of the Sarawak Islamic Council, Datuk Misnu Taha, Maybank Group CEO of Community Financial Services, Syed Ahmad Taufik Albar, Chief Operating Officer of Maybank Investment Bank Berhad, Tengku Ariff Azhar Tengku Mohamed, Regional Director for Sarawak, Abang Jamili Abang Julai, and Head of ESG Strategy and Solutions for Group Global Banking, Ranita Abdullah. -UKASnews