1.4 – Community anti-poverty programmes

1.4.4 – Policy addressing poverty

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is committed to advancing Sustainable Development Goal 1 (No Poverty) by actively engaging in community anti-poverty programs and shaping policies that address poverty at various levels. Through the efforts of our influential leaders, UKM is dedicated to eradicating poverty in all its forms, both within our community and beyond.

Leadership in Policy Making

At UKM, we are privileged to have leaders who play a crucial role in policy making, not only at the local and regional levels but also at the national and global stages. Their expertise and commitment are instrumental in the development and implementation of policies aimed at eradicating poverty and providing financial aid to those in need.

a. Global level

YBhg. Prof. Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Noor Azlan Bin Ghazali

YBhg. Prof. Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Noor Azlan Bin Ghazali is a prominent figure in Malaysia’s economic landscape, known for his extensive expertise in macroeconomic policy and development. His role has been pivotal in shaping Malaysia’s economic strategies, particularly in areas such as economic reform, national development, and policy-making to reduce poverty nationally and globally. His contributions to fight against poverty are part of his broader mission to create an inclusive and equitable economy. Since 2023, Prof. Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Noor Azlan has been involved in global economic policy including poverty reduction efforts through his role as Malaysia’s Governor to the Governing Board of  Economic Research Institute for Asean and East Asia (ERIA) from 2023-2025.

b. National level

Associate Professor Dr. Nik Abd Rahim bin Nik Abdul Ghani

Associate Professor Dr. Nik Abd Rahim bin Nik Abdul Ghani is a key figure in the realm of monetary and Islamic financial aid distribution. He holds a high-ranking position as the Maybank Islamic Berhad’s Zakat and Distribution Committee, one of Malaysia’s most prominent banks. His involvement in policy making, particularly in the distribution of financial aid, ensures that resources are allocated effectively to support those in need. Associate Professor  Dr. Nik Abd Rahim’s expertise in Islamic finance allows him to contribute significantly to the development of poverty alleviation policies that are not only financially sound but also ethically grounded.

c. Regional Level

Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mohd. Izhar Ariff bin Mohd Kashim

Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mohd. Izhar Ariff bin Mohd Kashim is a lecturer at the Sharia Studies Centre, Faculty of Islamic Studies, UKM. His expertise benefits others, including the International Sharia Advisory Panel, the Selangor Halal Certification Panel, the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (JAKIM) Sharia Expert Panel, the National Halal Certification Advisory Panel, UKM Ambassadors, Youth & Sports Ministry Ambassadors, Trustee Member of Yayasan Dakwah Malaysia (YADIM) and National Vaccine Ambassador.

On 15 February 2024, he was appointed as a Member of the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) for a term until 14 February 2026. The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) is responsible for managing zakat through the collection and distribution of zakat funds to eligible asnaf, as well as implementing human capital and asset development programs to help asnaf break free from poverty. This includes providing housing, educational facilities, and skills training opportunities.

Prof. Dato’ Dr. Fariza binti Md Sham

In Malaysia, the main role of the State Islamic Religious Councils (MAIN), including in the state of Pahang, is to manage the collection and distribution of zakat to eligible asnaf. MAIN is responsible for determining recipients’ eligibility, distributing aid according to their needs, and implementing various programs aimed at improving the quality of life of asnaf groups. These include economic assistance, social welfare, human capital development, and educational programs. As a committee member of the Pahang Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council, Prof. Dato’ Dr. Fariza is directly responsible for formulating policies related to zakat in the state of Pahang.

Dr. Wan Haslan bin Khairuddin

Dr. Wan Haslan bin Khairuddin is another influential leader at UKM who has been appointed as the General Secretary of the Waqf, Endowment, and Zakat of Public University Committee in Malaysia. His role at the national level highlights his dedication to managing and distributing financial aid through Waqf and Zakat, both of which are crucial tools in the fight against poverty. Dr. Wan Haslan’s work ensures that financial resources are used efficiently to benefit those who are most vulnerable, thereby supporting the national agenda of poverty eradication.

Datin Dr. Noor Lizza Mohamed Said

Datin Dr. Noor Lizza Mohamed Said is a lecturer at the Faculty of Islamic Studies. Her main area of expertise is Islamic Property Law, particularly in the aspects of Hibah (inter vivos gift), Wasiat (will), and Faraid (inheritance distribution). With her expertise, she has been appointed as Deputy Chairman of the Baitulmal Technical Committee by the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS). One of the functions of Baitulmal is to safeguard welfare, including contributing to economic development. Her role as Deputy Chairman of the Baitulmal Technical Committee is to recommend to the Baitulmal Development Committee any new policies related to Baitulmal, Zakat, and Wakaf, as well as directions for a more sustainable and dynamic Baitulmal.

d. Local Level

Profesor Dr. Rosilah Hassan

In addition, Professor Dr. Rosilah Hassan is a Professor at the Faculty of Information Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). She also serves as the Deputy Director of Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Publications at the Center for General Studies, UKM. Beyond her academic role at UKM, she is actively involved in empowering the local community, particularly in the surrounding areas. Her commitment to community engagement is highlighted by her appointment as the Head of the Muslimat Committee at Al-Hasanah Mosque in Bandar Baru Bangi for the 2023-2025 term. One of the initiatives she led in October 2023 was the “Laman Nazim Kebun Bandar,” a program that included workshops on soil mixing and seedling techniques, plant cultivation using aquaponic methods, and a demonstration on preparing catfish. Through her leadership and community initiatives, Prof. Dr. Rosilah Hassan exemplifies a commitment to enhancing local skills and fostering sustainable practices within the local community.

Above: Appointment letter for Prof. Dr. Rosilah as Head of the Muslimat Committee, Al-Hasanah Mosque

Through the collective leadership and policy contributions of UKM scholars and experts, the university has made significant strides in shaping inclusive and sustainable poverty alleviation strategies at the global, national, regional and local levels. UKM’s active engagement in economic, financial and social policy frameworks, ranging from global economic governance bodies to state zakat and waqf institutions, demonstrates its vital role in driving equitable development and social justice.

By leveraging the quadruple helix model, which unites academia, government, industry and civil society, UKM effectively bridges research, policy and practice to support national and international poverty eradication efforts. These multidimensional collaborations have enhanced community resilience, improved the distribution of financial aid and empowered marginalized groups through education, innovation and inclusive policy design. Collectively, these initiatives reaffirm UKM’s steadfast commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 1 (No Poverty) and its broader mission to create a society that is equitable, empowered and sustainable, where no one is left behind.