Kuala Lumpur: The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) has allocated RM230.63 million in zakat (tithe) funds to empower human capital this year.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar stated that RM131 million of the total allocation is designated for education assistance schemes. Additionally, RM17 million is reserved for educational development programs, while RM49 million is allocated to support MAIWP’s educational institutions.

MAIWP operates under the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) and remains dedicated to assisting the asnaf, particularly in the Federal Territories, to excel in their educational pursuits. Dr Mohd Na’im emphasized the importance of proactively aiding the asnaf in their academic endeavors to ensure their success and the subsequent benefit to their families.

This statement was delivered during his speech at the MAIWP Scholarship and Special Incentive presentation ceremony for asnaf students at the Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) and Full Boarding Schools (SBP) held at MAIWP Tower.

Dr Mohd Na’im further noted that, in addition to scholarships, MAIWP offers various initiatives under its education cluster to support students in the Federal Territories. At the ceremony, 679 students were awarded the MAIWP Scholarship and Special Incentive, utilizing RM5.8 million from the zakat fund.

The beneficiaries included 80 students from both local and overseas higher learning institutions, who received a total of RM3,085,080, and 259 secondary school students, who were allocated RM2,460,500. Moreover, 200 asnaf students at SBP were granted RM200,000, while 140 asnaf students at MRSM received RM140,000 under the Special Incentive program.