Zakat Recipients Urged To Inform MAIWP If No Longer Eligible - Mohd Na’im

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, has urged zakat recipients under the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) to inform the body if they are no longer eligible to receive the assistance.

“MAIWP will continue to assist, but the philosophy at MAIWP is to help the asnaf group to overcome poverty, become entrepreneurs, earn a substantial income, and eventually pay zakat to help others,” he told reporters at the sixth edition of the Visit Asnaf programme in Seputeh today.

On today’s programme, Mohd Na'im said MAIWP’s top management witnessed first-hand the realities of asnaf individuals, while also strengthening the bond between zakat payers and recipients.

He also shared his experience of meeting an asnaf who had just started a family and was struggling with kidney disease, requiring ongoing dialysis treatment.

“The cost of his monthly dialysis is RM4,000, totalling RM50,000 annually. With a salary of only RM2,500, it is nearly impossible for him to afford this treatment. Therefore, MAIWP will assist him in getting the treatment,” he said, adding that such support allows patients to continue treatment without compromising other necessities such as housing and daily expenses.

Meanwhile, Wan Mohd Elham Faiz Wan Mat, 36, expressed his gratitude for MAIWP’s support, which eased the burden of undergoing haemodialysis three times a week at RM280 per session.

“Part of the cost is covered by the Social Security Organisation, which provides RM150 per session, while MAIWP’s zakat fund pays for the balance. I am truly grateful for this support,” said the Air Selangor employee, who was diagnosed with kidney disease in 2013.

Earlier, Mohd Na’im officiated at the opening of the Seputeh Zakat Distribution Centre (PAZA), the ninth branch under MAIWP’s administration in Kuala Lumpur, established to facilitate transactions for the asnaf community in the Seputeh area, many of whom face transportation difficulties in reaching the main distribution centre.

-- BERNAMA