USM PULAU PINANG, 5 March 2026 – Beneath the seamless organisation of the zakat distribution programme held at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), lies a far longer and more profound narrative.

More than just a symbolic handover ceremony within the precincts of the Masjid, this programme embodies a humanitarian tradition that has been deeply rooted in the community for over a decade.

It stands as a pillar of strength, uniting Jakel’s corporate compassion, the sacred trust of the mosques, and the heartbeat of the asnaf (eligible zakat recipients) across the Northeast district.

The neatly stacked Jakel baskets at the Masjid Al-Malik Khalid, USM, are not a one-off contribution. They are the latest chapter in a long story that began in 2014.

Year after year, as the nation's leadership and economic landscape have shifted, this tradition has remained unbroken. Jakel Textile Sdn. Bhd. continues to show up, not merely as a donor, but as a committed partner in caring for the community.

"These Jakel food baskets have been distributed since 2014," shared Dato' Haji Abdul Razak Sultan, representative of the Chief Executive Officer of Jakel Textile Sdn. Bhd., when asked about the inspiration behind the programme.

“The inspiration is simple yet profound and that is to ensure the company's zakat obligation transcends figures on paper and genuinely touches the lives of those in need,” he said.  

He explained the company's annual commitment stands at 1,000 food baskets for the state of Penang, with each basket valued at an estimated RM120.00.

"For this morning's event in the Northeast district, we are distributing 500 food baskets," said Abdul Razak. However, Jakel's efforts do not stop there.

"Furthermore, we have not forgotten the schoolchildren from poor asnaf families in the Northeast district and throughout Penang. Just last week, I handed over another 500 food baskets to the Headmasters' Council of the Northeast district."

This dual-pronged strategy of channeling aid through both mosque institutions and schools, reflects Jakel’s genuine commitment to reaching the target group from multiple directions, ensuring that no segment of the asnaf community is excluded from this assistance network.

The uniqueness and strength of this programme lie in Jakel's absolute trust in the mosque institution as the backbone of distribution.

For the mosque representatives in attendance, the ceremony also served as a recognition of their vital role on the frontlines of community service.

For the management of Masjid Jamek Bagan Jermal and Masjid At-Taqwa Taman Brown, the sustained support of corporate entities such as Jakel serves as the lifeblood that fuels their social initiatives.

"Without this close cooperation, mosques would be burdened in trying to meet the basic needs of our less fortunate brethren. This support enables us, as mosque administrators, to better focus on fulfilling our social responsibilities to the local community more effectively and comprehensively," they expressed, voicing the sentiment of the mosques that form the backbone of their respective communities.

They also view this programme as a powerful symbol of unity – a message of ukhuwwah (brotherhood) for the wider community. It is tangible proof that when the corporate sector, mosque institutions, and educational leaders join hands, a formidable force emerges, capable of lightening the burdens of thousands.

The moment of basket distribution was particularly moving. Representatives from Masjid Jamek Al-Marjan, Masjid Jamek Kampung Baru, Masjid Bandar Baru Ayer Itam, and Masjid Al Jami As Soghir seized the opportunity to express their boundless gratitude.

For them, each basket was more than a bundle of provisions; it was a ray of hope that eased hardship and brought comfort to the asnaf during the holy month of Ramadan.

"This is an immense kindness," said one mosque representative, his voice filled with emotion, "one that will grace the dining tables of families in need, ensuring they too can feel the joy and blessings of Ramadan."

Witnessing the smiles on the mosque representatives' faces, Chairman of the Pertubuhan Jaringan Al-Jannah (Tim Al-Jannah), Tuan Haji Syed Abdul Kadir Syed Abdullah Idid, also expressed profound gratitude.

According to him, the arrival of these food baskets is the lifeblood of the mosques’ community work, serving as a means to strengthen kinship and restore bonds within the community.

"I understand that the mosques in our constituencies – almost 36 mosques are truly in need of assistance. There are many struggling or disadvantaged asnaf seeking help in the form of basic necessities," explained Syed Abdul Kadir.

For him, the synergy forged between Jakel, Jaringan Al-Jannah, and these mosques represents an ideal collaborative model worthy of emulation. It is not about money, but about the blessings (berkat) that reach all the way to the humble kitchens of the asnaf.

“This programme has the power to inspire any corporate entity. We witness the goods arriving, reaching homes, and being cooked and shared. I hope such initiatives will continue in the future, enabling more asnaf families to benefit from these provisions.”

The phrase "the goods arriving, reaching homes, and being cooked and shared" captures the very essence of the programme's success. It paints a vivid picture: a mosque representative knocking on a door, extending a basket and an asnaf family being able to prepare a meal for their children. That is the true meaning of Ramadan, a shared dignity, a priceless blessing.

The success of this programme is seen not as an end, but as a launching pad for even closer collaboration. Abdul Razak, on behalf of Jakel, opened a new chapter with the host university.

"Furthermore, I have just received information from the USM Islamic Centre regarding their various needs and their intention to organise a programme with Jakel," he shared.

"I will bring this matter to Dato' Seri Faroz Jakel in the very near future, so that Jakel can organise a collaborative programme with the USM Islamic Centre in Penang and subsequently with the office of the USM Vice-Chancellor."

This signifies an evolution. What began as an annual zakat distribution has the potential to grow into a larger, strategic collaboration between a leading corporate entity and a prestigious institution of higher learning.

It is a recognition of USM's role, not merely as a venue, but as a strategic partner in human capital development and community well-being.

The programme, also attended by the leadership of the Pertubuhan Jaringan Al-Jannah and representatives from the various mosque constituencies, ultimately delivered a powerful message: behind the numbers of 500 baskets and 31 mosques lies a humanitarian network that has been operating for 12 years.

It is a network that ensures, with every approaching Ramadan, no asnaf in the Northeast district feels forgotten. Each basket delivered to their doorstep becomes a flame of hope—empowering them to endure, to rise again, and to remain bound by a brotherhood that never fades.

Original Text: Privinkumar Jayavanan/Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin/Photo: Islamic Centre, USM