KPBKL Receives RM20.5 Mln To Help Asnaf Students This Year

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 1 (Bernama) -- Kolej Profesional Baitulmal Kuala Lumpur (KPBKL) received RM20.5 million from the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) and several companies to assist students from the asnaf (eligible to receive tithe) group pursuing their higher education at the college this year.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said of that amount, RM19.85 million came from zakat (tithe) funds, and RM699,350 was donated by Tabung Haji (TH), Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and Zurich Takaful, among others.

"About 85 per cent of the students (at KPBKL) are from the asnaf group, and it is hoped that the contributions inspire them to change their destiny and the fate of their families and eventually become zakat contributors in the future.

"The contributions were in various forms such as wakalah zakat, education equipment, and the construction of new infrastructure like computer labs," he told reporters after launching the college's Asnaf Youth Soul Journey Carnival today.

MAIWP chairman Syed Kamarulzaman Syed Kabeer was also present. 

The carnival, which also involves corporate sector entities and non-governmental organisations, marks MAIWP's 50th anniversary, featuring motivational and sports activities, among other things.

Na'im said the carnival provides an opportunity to reach out to asnaf youths, encouraging them to continue striving for a better life and ultimately helping to improve their family's status in the future.

"We want them to break the poverty cycle, and education is the key factor that allows them to change their fate," he added.

Through a statement, MAIWP said the Soul Journey event, first held last year, seeks to nurture strong identity, religious foundation, and family values among asnaf youths, particularly those living in People's Housing Projects in the city.

-- BERNAMA