BNM DEPUTY GOVERNOR VISITS CENTRALISED KITCHEN TO HIGHLIGHT SOCIAL FINANCING IMPACT

GEORGE TOWN, Nov 17 (Bernama) -- The visit by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) deputy governor Adnan Zaylani Mohamad Zahid to the Centralised Kitchen project in the Northeast district here today highlighted the role of the initiative as a pilot model under the iTEKAD social financing programme.

The Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) stated that the delegation witnessed the kitchen's operations firsthand and interacted with entrepreneurs participating in the project, consisting of those from the B40 group and home-based businesses.

The project provides complete equipment facilities, Halal certification, and addresses high rental costs and limited space, enabling participants to significantly increase production.

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“The Centralised Kitchen was established based on a pilot project in 2021 with Giat MARA Bukit Bendera, which recorded a 75 per cent increase in production output involving 15 entrepreneurs.

“Building on this proven concept, NCER launched this more comprehensive facility with support from its strategic partner, Hong Leong Islamic Bank Berhad (HLISB), through the iTEKAD fund, an initiative by BNM,” it said in a statement today.

Meanwhile, Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) chief executive Datuk Mohamad Haris Kader Sultan said the Centralised Kitchen initiative was a new model under the iTEKAD Social Financing Programme, strengthening entrepreneur development and supporting the growth of an inclusive and sustainable halal economic ecosystem in NCER.

He said it represented a strategic intervention for the Northern Region, in line with NCER’s mandate to create a robust and integrated value chain and ecosystem for halal inputs and products.

“We are proud to collaborate with Hong Leong Islamic Bank through the iTEKAD fund. Following the success of the previous pilot project, NCER provides comprehensive support to build sustainable businesses and nurture a more prosperous community,” he said.

Key features of the project include a centralised purchasing system, which facilitates the procurement of raw materials from certified halal sources, ensuring operational efficiency and compliance.

The project targets at least 40 entrepreneurs, offering an 18-month comprehensive development programme including Halal certification, Ministry of Health Malaysia’s Industry Responsible Safe Food Certification (MeSTI), Malaysian Skills Certification (SKM) Level 2, entrepreneurship training, and participation in domestic and international trade expos.

The visit also served to underscore the tangible impact of social financing in creating a sustainable and inclusive economic growth model for the region.

-- BERNAMA