GEORGE TOWN, Nov 17 – Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) deputy governor Adnan Zaylani Mohamad Zahid visited the Centralised Kitchen project in the Northeast district today, highlighting its significance as a pioneering model under the iTEKAD social financing programme. According to the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER), the delegation observed the facility’s operations and interacted with participating entrepreneurs, who consist mainly of B40 individuals and home-based business owners.
The Centralised Kitchen offers modern equipment, Halal certification support, and solutions to key challenges such as high rental costs and limited workspace. These improvements have enabled entrepreneurs to increase their production capacity and expand their businesses more effectively. NCER noted that the concept was first validated through a pilot project launched in 2021 with Giat MARA Bukit Bendera, which saw a 75 per cent increase in production output among 15 entrepreneurs. Following this success, NCER developed a more advanced and comprehensive facility with support from Hong Leong Islamic Bank Berhad (HLISB) through the iTEKAD fund, an initiative driven by BNM.
NCIA chief executive Datuk Mohamad Haris Kader Sultan said the Centralised Kitchen represents a new and impactful model under the iTEKAD Social Financing Programme. He emphasised that the initiative strengthens entrepreneur development while contributing to the growth of an inclusive and sustainable halal economic ecosystem in the Northern Corridor. He added that the programme serves as a strategic intervention aligned with NCER’s mandate to build a robust and integrated value chain for halal inputs and products. Mohamad Haris also expressed pride in the collaboration with Hong Leong Islamic Bank, noting that NCER remains committed to supporting entrepreneurs in establishing sustainable businesses and uplifting the wider community.
The project features a centralised purchasing system that streamlines the procurement of raw materials from certified halal suppliers, improving both operational efficiency and compliance. It aims to support at least 40 entrepreneurs through an 18-month development programme that includes Halal certification, the Ministry of Health Malaysia’s MeSTI certification, Malaysian Skills Certification (SKM) Level 2, entrepreneurship training, and opportunities to participate in local and international trade expos.
The visit underscored the meaningful impact of social financing in fostering a sustainable and inclusive economic growth model for the Northern Region, reinforcing the potential of initiatives such as iTEKAD to empower local entrepreneurs and strengthen the regional economy.