Mohd Na’im Reminds MAIWP Staff Not To Misappropriate Zakat Funds

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 (Bernama) -- Staff of the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) have been reminded not to misappropriate zakat funds, as such actions would not only harm their well-being in this world but also in the hereafter

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said the reminder has been repeatedly conveyed to the agency’s chairman and chief executive officer to be relayed to MAIWP staff, urging them to remain trustworthy and uphold integrity in performing their duties.

“Even a single cent of zakat funds that is misused, withheld, or misappropriated will endanger our well-being both in this world and the hereafter.

“We will never find prosperity through misappropriated zakat funds. I hope this reminder will be taken to heart and put into practice with utmost sincerity,” he said at the MAIWP MADANI Education Excellence and Inspiration Awards ceremony at the Main Hall of the Federal Territory Mosque here today.

Yesterday, Mohd Na’im said in a statement that there had been no attempts to protect any individuals involved in the alleged misappropriation of zakat funds, and firm action would be taken in accordance with existing rules and laws.

On Oct 19, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) reportedly detained a former employee of a statutory body on suspicion of being involved in a syndicate misappropriating zakat allocation totalling about RM120,000 involving 28 ineligible applicants.

The woman, in her 30s, was arrested while giving her statement at the Kuala Lumpur MACC office, before the Magistrate’s Court granted a four-day remand order until tomorrow to assist investigations under Section 16(a)(A) of the MACC Act 2009.

Meanwhile, Mohd Na'im said MAIWP has allocated RM1.64 million in incentives to 602 outstanding students, comprising recipients of general school assistance and students from MAIWP educational institutions.

“This annual event celebrates outstanding students who achieved excellence in the 2024 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM), and Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM) examinations,” he said.

He also said that MAIWP awarded Quran memorisation incentive grants totalling RM1.93 million to 620 participants.

“As of September, MAIWP has disbursed RM58.6 million in zakat funds through various education assistance schemes, including general school aid, support for professional college students, and scholarships for outstanding achievers.

“Overall, MAIWP channels assistance through 38 zakat schemes encompassing welfare, education, entrepreneurship, healthcare, protection, and ummah development, which is a testament to its commitment to empowering human capital and enhancing the well-being of the ummah in the Federal Territories,” he added.

-- BERNAMA