Shah alam: The Lembaga Zakat Selangor (Zakat Selangor) has confirmed that around 2,000 asnaf, or tithe recipients, in the state have been exploited as money mules by scam syndicates that prey on vulnerable individuals facing financial hardship.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zakat Selangor's chief executive officer, Mohd Khaizir Shahari, revealed that internal checks and information from financial institutions showed some recipients were blacklisted, which disrupted their monthly aid. Mohd Khaizir explained that these individuals are particularly vulnerable to manipulation due to their financial struggles and that some of them accepted as little as RM100 a month in exchange for handing over their identity cards, opening bank accounts, and setting the ATM personal identification number for the syndicates.
Mohd Khaizir clarified that many recipients only realize the situation when they attempt to collect their monthly aid, only to be informed by the bank that the payment was declined because their account had been blacklisted. This issue was highlighted during a press conference following the launch of the Ramadan and Aidilfitri 1447H/2026 aid program at the KSL Convention Centre, which was also attended by Selangor deputy Mufti Datuk Dr Miszairi Sitiris.
He further noted that Zakat Selangor detected failed aid transactions after banks flagged certain recipients' accounts for involvement in financial fraud. To address this, Zakat Selangor is considering alternative methods to ensure aid is delivered promptly to those whose accounts cannot be accessed.
Mohd Khaizir assured that being blacklisted does not bar recipients from receiving zakat and highlighted the need for alternative methods to ensure aid compliance with banking rules. Furthermore, Zakat Selangor plans to enhance financial literacy, anti-scam campaigns, and alternative aid channels while strengthening collaborations with banks and relevant agencies.
Earlier, Mohd Khaizir announced that Zakat Selangor will distribute aid to over 78,000 heads of asnaf households, amounting to nearly RM36 million, starting on February 19, the first day of Ramadan, across the state. He also mentioned that Zakat Selangor aims for a five percent rise in zakat fitrah (personal tithe) this year, supported by improved digital systems and stronger networks of mosque and surau staff to facilitate smooth payments.
Zakat Selangor is boosting field operations, deploying 2,400 Penolong Amil Fitrah (assistant collectors) at 460 mosques and surau statewide during Ramadan to ensure smooth collections. To enhance collection efficiency, mobile apps are fully utilized in five districts, including Kuala Selangor, Klang, Petaling, Hulu Langat, and Gombak, while other areas employ a hybrid system.
Mohd Khaizir also mentioned that all 19 Zakat Selangor branches will be open daily, including on public holidays during Ramadan, to handle higher turnout and expand service access.