Kuala Lumpur: The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) has designated RM59.35 million this year to support welfare programmes aimed at assisting the asnaf, through strategic partnerships with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and associated institutions.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, stated that this initiative by MAIWP aims to broaden its efforts in ensuring that no asnaf is overlooked in terms of receiving assistance. He highlighted the crucial role that NGOs and religious entities such as mosques, suraus, tahfiz centres, and shelters play as field partners. These organisations are positioned to offer direct community support and have a better understanding of the genuine needs of the underprivileged.

Mohd Na’im urged NGOs to act as the ‘eyes and ears’ of MAIWP, given their grassroots presence and constant interaction with those in need. He acknowledged that without the collaboration of these organisations, MAIWP might struggle to reach the more isolated areas that are challenging to access. He conveyed this message during an event with NGOs and strategic partners of MAIWP 2025 held in Kuala Lumpur.

At the event, notable attendees included MAIWP chairman Syed Kamarulzaman Syed Kabeer and acting chief executive officer Mohd Fauzi Abidin. Mohd Na’im also mentioned that in the previous year, MAIWP allocated RM49.3 million to NGOs and related agencies under the Ummah Development Cluster.

Additionally, he reported that as of May 21, a total of RM399.2 million in zakat funds had been distributed by MAIWP through various aid schemes organized under six main clusters. These clusters include Welfare, Protection, Economy, Medicine, Education, and Development, alongside ongoing programmes and initiatives in the Federal Territory, Putrajaya, and Labuan.