Zakat Selangor Distributes RM1.33 Bln, Over 60 Pct To Poor And Hardcore Poor

SHAH ALAM, May 5 (Bernama) -- Lembaga Zakat Selangor (Zakat Selangor) recorded zakat distribution totalling RM1.33 billion last year, with more than 60 per cent channelled to the hardcore poor and poor, involving over 75,000 families across the state.

Zakat Selangor said in a statement that the performance was supported by zakat collection amounting to RM1.31 billion, enabling assistance to be delivered continuously through various structured interventions.

It also identified more than 14,000 hardcore poor and poor families as new asnaf, following the strengthening of assessment processes and expanded outreach to groups previously unidentified.

According to the statement, the determination of asnaf status is based on the ‘had kifayah’ calculation, a minimum sufficiency threshold that takes into account basic household needs such as food, shelter, education, healthcare and current cost of living.

In a related development, it said more than 2,800 families exited the cycle of poverty through continuous intervention programmes, reflecting the effectiveness of a distribution approach that not only provided welfare assistance but also emphasised long-term empowerment.

“The Petaling district recorded the highest number of hardcore poor and poor families with nearly 13,600 families, followed by Klang with more than 12,600 families and Hulu Langat at around 11,700 families, reflecting the concentration of poverty challenges in densely populated areas.

“This situation reflects urban socioeconomic challenges that require more comprehensive and targeted intervention approaches, in line with Zakat Selangor’s ongoing efforts to strengthen support for those in need,” the statement said.

Accordingly, Zakat Selangor it would continue to enhance the distribution of basic aid while expanding development initiatives such as skills training and income enhancement programmes to help asnaf escape poverty sustainably.

The institution also reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out zakat collection and distribution with transparency and integrity, in line with Islamic principles, while supporting the state government’s efforts to empower asnaf development.

-- BERNAMA