Zakat Selangor, MARA Partner To Support Asnaf Students’ Education

SHAH ALAM, March 12 (Bernama) -- Lembaga Zakat Selangor (Zakat Selangor) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) to expand educational opportunities for students from asnaf families in the state.

Zakat Selangor chief executive officer Mohd Khaidzir Shahari said the collaboration provides an avenue for both Zakat Selangor and MARA to identify potential asnaf students and provide educational assistance to enable them to continue their studies in a more conducive environment.

“The five-year initiative will include efforts to assist outstanding asnaf students in preparing to enter Mara Junior Science Colleges (MRSM) nationwide.

“This collaboration represents a strategic step in strengthening the educational development of asnaf children through the support of experienced institutions,” he said when speaking at the breaking fast with Muzakki and Ramadan Zakat Handover Ceremony 2026 (IMTIYAZ) here today.

Mohd Khaidzir said the initiative also includes the provision of additional classes for critical subjects aimed at improving the academic performance of participating students.

He added that, on average, 23 asnaf students secured places in MRSM under Zakat Selangor sponsorship each year since 2023, enabling a total of 129 students to receive educational sponsorship at the junior college.

Meanwhile, Mohd Khaidzir said the collaboration between Zakat Selangor and MARA could also open pathways for asnaf students to pursue tertiary education, particularly in technical and professional fields.

“MARA has extensive expertise in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), which can help enhance the employability of graduates in the industrial sector.

“Beyond supporting the education of asnaf children, this collaboration also includes the implementation of skills training and entrepreneurship programmes for parents to help improve the economic standing of their families,” he said.

Earlier, the exchange of the MoU documents,  Zakat Selangor was represented by Mohd Khaidzir while MARA Higher Education Division director Siti Aminah Abdul Kadir represented MARA. 

At the same event, a total of 38 companies paid business zakat amounting to RM8.22 million to Zakat Selangor, while zakat assistance totalling RM221,320 was distributed for surau repair works, dialysis medical aid, entrepreneurship capital and higher education scholarships for students at institutions of higher learning.

-- BERNAMA