McDonald’s Malaysia gives back to the rakyat in Kelantan through its Community Programme

In line with its aim of making a positive impact on the communities it operates in, McDonald’s Malaysia announced a total contribution of RM545,000 through the McDonald’s Community Programme for the state of Kelantan. Various initiatives were introduced through the programme to help the underprivileged community in the state.

The presentation of the contributions through the Community Programme was held at the McDonald’s Pasir Pekan Drive-Thru, the latest outlet by the company in the state of Kelantan. Among the community initiatives announced include McDonald’s business zakat contribution, appointment of youths from underprivileged families to participate in McDonald’s NDTS training programme, and the presentation of “Back-to-School” packs to primary school children from urban poor and underprivileged families.

“We are committed to help the underprivileged communities nationwide as it is a core value of McDonald’s Malaysia. The strong support received from various parties has enabled us to continue carrying out these community initiatives, and in turn alleviate the burden of the underprivileged community,” said Azmir Jaafar, Managing Director and Local Operating Partner of McDonald’s Malaysia.

“We hope the opening of the latest restaurant in Kelantan will further boost the state’s economy -- especially through job opportunities and talent development involving the local community. We believe that positive business growth will provide us with more opportunities to continuously contribute to the well-being of the community as a whole,” added Azmir who is also the President of RMHC Malaysia. RMHC Malaysia is the charity of choice of McDonald’s Malaysia.

“The Community Programme carried out by McDonald’s Malaysia is seen as a vehicle to shape the economic and social harmony in Kelantan. We place a lot of emphasis on the needs of the rakyat to ensure the progress of the state, especially as it is also one of the many steps being taken to lift the rakyat out of poverty. We always welcome and commend collaborations between corporations like McDonald’s Malaysia together with the state government that aim for the well-being of the rakyat,” said YAB Ustaz Dato' Bentara Kanan Haji Ahmad bin Yakob, Menteri Besar of Kelantan.


McDonald’s Malaysia’s business zakat contribution

McDonald’s Malaysia fulfilled its zakat obligation to the state of Kelantan for the year 2019, contributing a total of RM101,000.

The company recently received the Corporate Zakat Contribution Certificate by Pusat Pungutan Zakat Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan (PPZ-MAIWP), and is in fact the first business to receive this recognition.

“As a business entity that is 100 percent owned by Muslims, it is a religious commitment for us to pay zakat to be distributed to those in need. We have been contributing zakat since 2017 under Lionhorn Pte Ltd, a unit of Reza Group,” said Azmir.




McDonald’s youth employment initiative through NDTS

McDonald’s National Dual Training System (NDTS) is an 18-month industry-oriented training programme which combines 70 percent of practical training in McDonald’s restaurants and 30 percent of theoretical lessons in the classroom.

This fully-sponsored programme is accredited by the Department of Skills Development (DSD) – one of the efforts by the quick-service restaurant to elevate the standards of the company’s human capital development, and nurture new talents, in line with the national agenda.

“We are excited to welcome youths from the state of Kelantan to participate in our training programme. We hope that through this programme, the selected individuals will learn the necessary skills to thrive and embark on promising careers that will help enhance the economic status of their families,” said Azmir.

The NDTS programme is part of the McDonald’s Community Programme organised for youths from the underprivileged community. Once these trainees pass the assessment and final test of the programme, they will be qualified for employment at McDonald’s restaurants.

Each trainee will be given a monthly living allowance of RM1,200, medical and insurance benefits, as well as free meals.

“Back to School” Programme

More than 1,400 children from 48 schools throughout Kelantan will receive “Back-to-School” packs this year. The “Back-to-School” programme is an annual initiative led by McDonald’s Malaysia and Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.

The “Back-to-School” 2019 programme, launched in Kuala Lumpur in mid-October, is the largest so far – with RM3 million raised in order for 30,000 primary school children from urban poor and underprivileged families to receive “Back-to School” packs ahead of the 2020 school year. The packs will be delivered in stages to other states in Malaysia until the end of the year.

Each “Back-to-School” pack, worth RM100, consists of a set of school uniform, a pair of shoes, a pair of socks, and a school bag.

In 2018, McDonald’s Malaysia and RMHC delivered “Back-to-School” packs worth RM1.7 million to 17,000 primary school students. The year before that saw McDonald’s Malaysia and RMHC reaching out to 6,000 students with RM1.2 million raised.

RMHC is McDonald’s Malaysia’s charity of choice that focuses on four key programmes to help underprivileged children in Malaysia. They include the “Back to School” Programme, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald Sensory Room, and “Gift of Smile”.

In June this year, RMHC Malaysia opened its second Ronald McDonald House in Malaysia at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) at Kubang Kerian. The Ronald McDonald House provides temporary accommodation to the families of pediatric patients undergoing treatment at nearby hospitals. The Ronald McDonald House at HUSM enables families to stay nearby as their children undergo treatment, while helping to alleviate families’ financial burdens by providing affordable lodging at only RM5 per night.

To donate or volunteer for RMHC Malaysia, please contact the headquarters of RMHC Malaysia at 03-7843 3388 or visit https://rmhc-malaysia.my/get-involved/make-a-donation/.