Kuala lumpur: Contributions from the corporate sector through zakat wakalah funds play an important role in complementing the government's efforts to strengthen inclusive education, particularly for students with disabilities (PwD), said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zulkifli emphasized the long-standing practice of corporate sector involvement in zakat wakalah schemes, highlighting their effectiveness in reaching targeted groups with necessary assistance. He noted that this initiative not only supports government efforts but also reinforces strategic cooperation between public and private sectors to foster a more inclusive educational future.
Zulkifli made these remarks to reporters following the Sun Life Malaysia Takaful Sentuhan Kasih Programme at the Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory Education Department (JPWPKL) Auditorium. At the event, 500 students with special educational needs from 25 secondary schools in the Federal Territory received financial assistance of RM200 each, totaling RM100,000 through Sun Life Malaysia Takaful Bhd's wakalah fund.
Prominent figures such as Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) chairman Datuk Syed Kamarulzaman Syed Kabeer, PPZ-MAIWP chairman Datuk Sri Amrin Awaluddin, MAIWP chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Nizam Yahya, and Sun Life Malaysia Takaful Berhad chief executive officer Noor Azam Mohd Yusof were also present.
In his speech, Zulkifli underscored the corporate sector's role in safeguarding the welfare of students with disabilities. He referenced the MADANI Budget 2026, which allocated RM1.4 billion to enhance the welfare of persons with disabilities and outlined the government's ongoing commitment to the education and welfare of special needs children, including substantial monthly allowances for each student with disabilities.
Additionally, 26 secondary school surau around the Federal Territory, including one belonging to JPWPKL, received RM80,000 in contributions through the MAIWP wakalah fund to improve worship facilities.