Sungai buloh: After 16 years of selflessly helping those in need, a housewife never expected that her tireless efforts in caring for underprivileged communities would pave the way for her to fulfil her lifelong dream of performing haj this year. Jameliah Abdul Manaf, 66, who is among 75 individuals selected to receive full sponsorship from the Selangor government this year, described the opportunity to be a guest of Allah during the 2026 haj season as a deeply meaningful blessing.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Jameliah, who lives in Kampung Merbau Sempak, Sungai Buloh, said that she had never expected any reward while handling various community welfare matters, including helping individuals without identification documents, assisting people in obtaining zakat aid, and resolving housing issues faced by those in need. 'When I was informed that my name had been nominated to receive this haj sponsorship, I initially declined because I felt that there were many others who were more deserving. However, when I was told that it was by the decree of the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, I accepted it as a blessing and as an answer to the prayers I have made over the years,' she told reporters here today.

To date, she said, more than 250 individuals and families have received assistance through various forms of support, including zakat aid, housing, education, and welfare programmes. The mother of four and grandmother of nine said she began actively helping underprivileged groups around 2010, handling a wide range of welfare-related matters, including zakat applications, identity documentation, housing issues, and family-related challenges.

Jameliah said that although she had not yet been officially appointed as an amil (zakat officer) at the time, she continued carrying out the work out of a sense of social responsibility and concern for the well-being of the local community. 'Many people came seeking help. Some had no identity cards or birth certificates, while others had been evicted from their rented homes or were facing various family problems. Whenever one case was resolved, another person would come forward asking for assistance. From there, the welfare work grew, and I have continued doing it ever since,' she said.

Jameliah was officially appointed as an amil in 2019 and was recognised as the Best Assistant Amil of the Kariah for two consecutive years. She said one of her most unforgettable experiences was helping a family who had lost their home and were forced to seek temporary shelter. 'We worked hard to secure assistance and negotiated with various parties to ensure they had a roof over their heads. When they finally obtained a home and a better life, the feeling was indescribable. That is the true satisfaction - seeing people who are struggling regain stability and move forward with their lives,' she said.

Although her husband passed away last year, Jameliah said his unwavering support throughout her years of community service was one of the key reasons she was able to continue serving society. 'I do not know how to drive, and much of my work was made possible with the help of my husband and friends. My late husband always encouraged and supported my efforts to help others. I believe the prayers of those I have helped, together with my husband's blessing and support, were among the reasons Allah opened the way for me to set foot in the Holy Land,' she said.