BUKIT BERUNTUNG, July 1 — Efforts to uplift the asnaf community are no longer centred solely on financial aid, as the Selangor Zakat Board (LZS) has introduced its Agroeconomic Project to create sustainable income opportunities through the agricultural sector.
Developed with a RM26 million investment, it spans 110 acres at Laman Agro Ehsan in Bukit Beruntung, Hulu Selangor, with 76 acres dedicated to agro-development activities, including fertigation chilli cultivation.
The Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah launched the project today, involving 48 selected asnaf participants.
His Highness arrived at 10am and was welcomed by LZS chairman Tan Sri Syed Anwar Jamalulail and Selangor Agro Zakat Laman Advisory Committee member Datuk Adnan Pawanteh.
Also present were the Selangor Mufti Datuk Anhar Opir, and the Selangor Islamic Religious Department's director Datuk Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad.
In his speech, Adnan said the initiative reflects LZS's commitment to creating long-term economic opportunities for asnaf recipients through training, guidance, and structured agricultural support.
The 48 participants had been selected to undergo a three-year development programme covering technical training, crop monitoring and hands-on guidance to help them manage agricultural operations effectively.
“Each participant will cultivate a 0.5-acre plot containing 2,000 bags of chilli plants, bringing the total to 96,000 planting bags across 48 plots during each planting cycle,” he said.
Adnan added that participants could earn up to RM4,000 per month once crop management and production reach a stable stage.
They were selected through a screening process conducted in collaboration with the Kuala Langat Area Farmers’ Organisation to identify suitable candidates for the programme.
Beyond agricultural facilities, participants are also provided with accommodation in the Prima Beruntung housing area, with rental costs fully covered by LZS for the duration of the programme.
He noted that the project was realised through collaboration with strategic partners via wakalah contributions amounting to RM2.07 million from the Pilgrims Fund Board, RHB Islamic Bank Berhad, and Cagamas Berhad.
During the event, Tengku Amir delivered the opening address, signed the commemorative plaque, toured the cultivation area, and met programme participants.
One of the participants, Norfhadilah Mohd Shafiin, 45, who has five children, said joining the programme in 2025 had opened new opportunities to strengthen her family’s financial position.
“This programme not only provides opportunities, but also equips us with knowledge and experience to manage our own crops and build confidence to become self-reliant,” he said.
Another participant, Raimi Rusydi Rodi, a father of two, said the initiative had introduced him to valuable agricultural skills and experiences.
“Thank you to all zakat contributors for giving me this opportunity. I have learned many things through this programme, including crop management and working together with other participants,” he said.
