31 October 2018, Negeri Sembilan - McDonald’s Malaysia contributed more than RM300,000 through various initiatives announced at a community event held in Negeri Sembilan today. The initiatives were aimed at assisting the underprivileged and hardcore poor community in the state and included zakat contribution, appointment of individuals from the asnaf community for McDonald’s apprenticeship programme, and presentation of ‘Back-to-School’ packs – in which over 1,000 primary school children from urban poor families were recipients of school packs in preparation for the 2019 school year session. 

Negeri Sembilan State Secretary Dr Razali bin Ab. Malik was the guest of honour at the community event. “On behalf of the state government of Negeri Sembilan, I would like to applaud and extend my gratitude towards McDonald’s Malaysia for making today an auspicious day for the state,” said Dr Razali. According to Dr Razali, efforts to address issues faced by the underprivileged community is always more effective when governments, businesses, and communities work collaboratively. 

McDonald’s Malaysia has been contributing zakat since last year, as it is a business entity which is 100% owned by Muslims. On 31 October 2018, the company fulfilled its zakat obligation to the state of Negeri Sembilan.

The McDonald’s apprenticeship programme is part of the National Dual Training System (SLDN) under the auspices of the Ministry of Human Resource. “We are excited to welcome individuals from the state of Negeri Sembilan to our apprenticeship programme. This is an 18-month training period where the apprentices will receive a combined set of practical training and theoretical lessons. As soon as these apprentices pass the assessment and final test of the programme, they will be qualified for employment at McDonald’s restaurants. On top of qualifying them a job at McDonald’s, the programme will also enable them to acquire lifelong skills,” said Managing Director and Local Operating Partner of McDonald’s Malaysia, Azmir Jaafar. Additionally, each apprentice will be given a monthly living allowance of RM1,200, medical and insurance benefits, as well as free meals.

The event held at McDonald’s Seremban Drive-Thru 2 also saw the handover of school packs, which is an annual “Back-to-School” programme spearheaded by McDonald’s Malaysia and Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education Malaysia. According to Azmir, the “Back-to-School” programme holds a special place in the heart of both McDonald’s and RMHC because it provides assistance to primary school children from underprivileged and urban poor families. Total expected value of contribution under the “Back-to-School” programme this year exceeded RM1.7 million.