Permatang pauh: A total of 24,000 asnaf (tithe-eligible) pupils nationwide will receive complete school sets under the Jom Ke Sekolah 2026 Programme implemented by Yayasan Taqwa of the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP). Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar announced that the initiative also covers 600 pupils in Permatang Pauh, involving an allocation of RM109,800.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the RM4.39 million initiative demonstrates Yayasan Taqwa’s commitment to easing the financial burden of asnaf families and ensuring their children are fully prepared for the new school term. “With this aid, parents no longer need to worry about their children’s uniform, shoes and stationery ahead of the 2026 school session. We hope that asnaf pupils will study hard, uphold good manners and respect their parents and teachers,” he said when officiating at the event today.
Mohd Na’im highlighted that Yayasan Taqwa, as an agency under MAIWP, also extends assistance to asnaf outside the Federal Territories through various education and welfare programmes. The cooperation with State Islamic Education Departments enables more accurate identification of eligible recipients. The educational philosophy behind the programme aligns with the MADANI nation vision, emphasizing values, proper conduct, and knowledge as drivers of social change.
He further elaborated that one-off zakat aid is not sufficient; hence, MAIWP offers more than 35 schemes, including entrepreneurship training through agencies such as YAPIM, to help asnaf escape poverty holistically. The government’s aim is not only for asnaf to break free from poverty but also to rise as successful entrepreneurs and eventually become zakat contributors.
Mohd Na’im also urged parents to give moral support to their children to attend school and make full use of the assistance provided. “This is a trust carried by the Education Ministry to ensure children receive proper education and become a knowledgeable generation with noble character,” he stated.