KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 (Bernama) -- The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) distributed more than RM447 million in zakat funds as of yesterday, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan.
He said the amount covered 38 aid schemes as well as indirect assistance channelled through asnaf development programmes and educational institutions under MAIWP’s supervision.
“Alhamdulillah, MAIWP has excelled in auditing, governance and transparency. We can clearly see that all distributions carried out by MAIWP are implemented in a highly transparent manner,” he told reporters after officiating the MAIWP Baitulmal Skills Institute (IKB) convocation ceremony here today.
Earlier in his speech, Zulkifli expressed appreciation to zakat contributors in the Federal Territories for their continued commitment to helping those in need.
“They are the real heroes. Without their commitment, efforts to assist those in need could not be carried out effectively,” he said.
Meanwhile, Zulkifli said 88 IKB MAIWP graduates were honoured at the ceremony in recognition of successfully completing their studies in various skills fields.
He said the event reflected the continued commitment to strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), particularly for the asnaf group, in line with the MADANI government’s aspiration to ensure inclusive access to education.
“Graduates must continue improving their skills, embrace lifelong learning and be courageous in exploring various fields, including entrepreneurship as a career option,” he said.
He also expressed hope that IKB MAIWP would continue to grow as a model training institution that not only emphasises technical skills, but also nurtures character, integrity and Islamic values among its students.
The convocation ceremony symbolised MAIWP’s efforts in empowering the asnaf community through skills education as a means of improving living standards and building a better future.
-- BERNAMA
