Johor Bahru: The Johor Islamic Religious Council (MAINJ) should review the list of zakat fitrah recipients as there are eligible individuals in the state who have yet to be included, said Johor Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid. ‘This is not anyone’s fault; we see this as a streamlining process because sometimes those in need do not come forward to apply or may not be aware of the assistance available.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Fared has instructed MAINJ to reassess the list of the poor and orphans (zakat fitrah recipients) and ensure that they are enrolled for monthly financial aid. He emphasized that they are entitled to receive the assistance for their daily needs and that the benefit of zakat must be rightfully returned to them. This announcement was made after Mohd Fared launched the e-Fidayah app, with MAINJ advisor Datuk Dr Nooh Gadut and chief executive officer Hasrin Kamal Hashim in attendance.
Mohd Fared estimated that the number of new monthly aid recipients could exceed 1,000, highlighting the potential for even more eligible individuals. He expressed certainty that a thorough review would be conducted and noted that if the current assistance from MAINJ is insufficient, referrals would be made to the Social Welfare Department (JKM) for further support. Mohd Fared emphasized that JKM is also responsible for eradicating hardcore poverty in Johor, making it a collaborative effort that will become a major task after the fasting month ends.
On the technological front, Mohd Fared introduced the upgraded e-Fidyah app, which now allows Apple users to pay fidyah (compensation paid by individuals unable to fast during Ramadan). Previously, the app, provided by MAINJ since 2016, was limited to Android users. Mohd Fared shared statistics from last year, stating that MAINJ recorded RM10.8 million in fidyah payments involving 24,964 individuals, with RM6.9 million distributed to eligible recipients. He noted that the amount was slightly lower compared to 2023, when collections totaled RM11.06 million involving 19,774 individuals with RM9.9 million disbursed.