KUALA LUMPUR, The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) today channelled the Students Residential Rental Assistance, totalling RM3.99 million, to alleviate the burden of 3,327 students from the asnaf (those eligible to receive zakat or tithe) group.
It was presented by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar during an event at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Kuala Lumpur, today.
From that total, RM480,000 is allocated to assist 400 students from the Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM); RM840,000 for 700 students from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Kuala Lumpur (UTMKL); RM1.2 million for 1,000 students from Universiti Malaya Kuala Lumpur (UMKL), and RM1.47 million for 1,227 students from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Kuala Lumpur (UKMKL).
Speaking to reporters after the event, Mohd Na'im said that the aid was meant to help students with accommodation expenses, allowing them to concentrate on their studies without financial concerns.
“Students must dedicate themselves to their studies and strive for excellent results...When they graduate and secure good jobs, they can help their families. Insha-Allah, they will become contributors to zakat. This is MAIWP's aspiration,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mohd Na'im said that MAIWP, through Yayasan Taqwa, has allocated RM50,000 to provide water filtration machine assistance to 12 residential colleges at UKM.
He also encouraged MAIWP's top management to help the asnaf group through education and entrepreneurial training, enabling them to improve their lives.
“Alhamdulillah, in the Federal Territories, RM634 million of zakat funds have been distributed to asnaf recipients through various aid schemes, from Jan 1 to Sept 30 this year. It has been carefully distributed to the asnaf recipients through various initiatives,” he said.
Also present were MAIWP acting chief executive officer Mohd Nizam Yahya, Zakat Distribution Division manager Ahmad Talmizi Yahaya, and UKM deputy vice-chancellor (Student and Alumni Affairs) Associate Professor Dr Mohd Suzeren Md Jamil.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency