KOTA KINABALU: Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick, led a delegation from Bank Rakyat on a courtesy visit to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah, Tun Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Musa Aman, at Istana Seri Kinabalu.

The delegation also included Bank Rakyat’s Chief Executive Officer, Ahmad Shahril Mohd Shariff, senior officers from the bank, and representatives from the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (MUIS).

During the visit, Bank Rakyat handed over zakat contributions totaling more than RM1.7 million to MUIS — an increase compared to RM1.3 million the previous year.

Ewon said the increase in zakat contributions is in line with Bank Rakyat’s positive growth.

“I am confident that this contribution will continue to grow in the coming years in line with Bank Rakyat’s development plans in the state.

“At the same time, I encourage the people of Sabah to use Bank Rakyat’s services, as a portion of its profits is returned to the community in the form of zakat and other assistance,” he told reporters after the visit.

Ewon also expressed his appreciation to Tun Musa for his continued support of KUSKOP and its agencies in developing entrepreneurship and cooperatives in Sabah.

Bank Rakyat is a key agency under the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP), providing entrepreneurial and personal financing, and plays a crucial role in supporting economic growth through entrepreneurs and cooperatives across the country.