USM PENANG, 27 February 2026 – The recently held Iftar Perdana ceremony of TYT Tun Dato' Seri Utama Haji Ramli Bin Ngah Talib, the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Penang and YM Toh Puan Raja Dato' Seri Utama Noora Ashikin Binti Raja Abdullah with the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) community, was enlivened by the presentation of donations and zakat wakalah from various agencies amounting to RM2,699,785.18.

Present to receive the mock cheque from each representative of the agency on behalf of USM was the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato' Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed.

The handover ceremony was witnessed by TYT Tun Dato' Seri Utama Haji Ramli Bin Ngah Talib, Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Penang, and Professor Emeritus Dato' Dr. Hassan Said, who is Exercising the Function of the USM Board of Governors Chairman.

The contributing agencies were as follows:

1. Yayasan Amal TYT Penang to Masjid Al-Malik Khalid, USM
2. Telekom Malaysia Berhad – RM10,000.00
3. Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad (BIMB) – RM50,000.00
4. USAINS Holdings Sdn. Bhd. – RM70,000.00
5. Penang State Hajj Board – RM450,000.00
6. Maybank Islamic Berhad Northern Region – RM456,206.13
7. Penang State Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) – RM1,663,579.05

Zakat wakalah donations will be channelled to help USM's asnaf and B40 students, especially in the form of welfare assistance, educational support, and financial aid.

The initiative reflects the commitment of the agencies involved in strengthening the well-being of the community and ensuring more inclusive access to education.

Prior to that, in the Vice-Chancellor's welcome speech, Abdul Rahman expressed his highest appreciation to all parties who have contributed for the continuation of education and the welfare of students and the local community.

“This support serves as a vital catalyst in advancing student education and welfare, reflecting the university’s strong commitment to ensuring that asnaf and B40 students can pursue their studies without the fear of dropping out,” he said.

Text: Tan Ewe Hoe/Photo: Mohd Fairus Md Isa & Muhamad Faris Darwisy Mohammad Rafiq