Zakat Penang Allocates RM17 Million For 5,000 Students Under MAINPP Premium Scholarship Scheme

BUTTERWORTH, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- A total of RM17 million has been allocated by Zakat Penang through the Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) Premium Scholarship Scheme for 5,000 students pursuing studies locally and abroad this year.

MAINPP president Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid said the amount was increased by RM2 million compared to RM15 million last year due to the rise in zakat contributions received by Zakat Penang.

He said students eligible for the distribution ranged from diploma, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctorate (PhD) levels in all fields of study recognised by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

“A total of RM2,500 is given to diploma recipients and RM3,500 for bachelor’s degree recipients, alongside assistance for students studying abroad, such as in Egypt and Jordan, with the amount depending on their qualification level.

“This year, we have also improved the Premium Scholarship Scheme by extending the distribution to Muslim students from Penang studying at polytechnics,” he told reporters at the MAINPP Premium Scholarship Award Ceremony here today.

Additionally, Mohamad, who is also the Deputy Chief Minister 1 of Penang, announced a one-off distribution of RM800 to Form Six students, involving an allocation of RM800,000.

He said this addition brought the total allocation for the Premium Scholarship Scheme this year to RM17 million, or 10 per cent of the total zakat collection targeted for this year.

He also expressed hope for support from individuals to fulfil their responsibility of paying zakat through scheduled income deductions, while encouraging Bumiputera companies to pay business zakat so that such assistance could be enhanced in the future.

He stressed that education remained a priority, and therefore, the state government through MAINPP would continue to play a role in distributing zakat to students to sustain quality education for the development of the next generation.

“I also hope that students will use the entrusted zakat funds wisely to continue advocating for the greatness of Islam and improving the fate of the ummah, society, and their families through education,” he said.

-- BERNAMA