KOTA BHARU: Agrobank is empowering the asnaf and B40 communities to improve their livelihoods through agro-based ventures under its Hijrah Asnaf programme, which focuses on agriculture, aquaculture, and downstream products.
Since its launch in 2021, the initiative has benefited 457 participants across Malaysia—including in Perlis, Kelantan, Terengganu, Sabah, and the Klang Valley—with an additional 466 participants expected to join this year.
Agrobank president and CEO Datuk Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin said the programme reflects the bank’s commitment to both sustainable agricultural development and socioeconomic upliftment.
“Participants are trained in modern farming techniques and relevant technologies. The programme not only increases household income but also stimulates employment in local communities,” he said.
Support Tailored to Needs
Support provided under Hijrah Asnaf is customised based on land size, project duration, and the nature of the venture—whether in crops, livestock, or aquaculture. Training is conducted through Agrobank’s Centre of Excellence (ACE) and supported by government agencies such as the Department of Agriculture.
Success on the Ground
Among the programme’s success stories is Zamri Mat Hassan, 54, a watermelon farmer in Tok Bali, Pasir Puteh. Since joining in 2023, Zamri has doubled his yield to 20,000 kilogrammes per season on his 0.8-hectare plot.
“Demand has surged. Customers now come from Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Selangor—even Singapore,” he said.
Meanwhile, Amaran Ibrahim, 55, credits the programme for increasing his understanding of critical farming factors such as soil type, irrigation, and fertiliser usage.
“This has not only helped sustain my livelihood but has deepened my knowledge in agriculture,” he shared.
Diversifying Livelihoods
For P. Muhomed Ibrahim Muhomed Shariff, 64, the programme offered a lifeline. Previously growing vegetables for income, he now cultivates 40,000–50,000 shrimp seedlings every three months in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan.
“I had no experience in aquaculture before this. Now I have regular customers from Kuala Lumpur and Perak. Agrobank helped me build a more secure future,” he said.
As the programme expands, Agrobank continues to position agriculture as a viable pathway to economic resilience, particularly for vulnerable communities.
