PUTRAJAYA: The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) has announced a significant allocation of RM5 million dedicated to assisting flood victims throughout Malaysia, as stated by Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initial aid will be directed towards the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia’s (JAKIM)/Yayasan Waqaf Malaysia’s Musaadah Fund, in addition to the Islamic religious councils in the states that are currently grappling with the effects of flooding. In a call for community support, Mohd Na’im urged Muslims across the nation to contribute their zakat, emphasizing that early payments would allow zakat boards to effectively plan and distribute aid to those facing disasters.

Mohd Na’im highlighted the importance of timely zakat payments, explaining that making contributions earlier in the year, rather than waiting until the end, would empower zakat boards to fulfill their responsibili
ties more efficiently. “The earlier we pay zakat, the more people will receive aid. Insya-Allah,” he expressed during an interaction with reporters at the Year End Zakat x Saloma Market Carnival.

The flood situation remains severe, with a reported total of 146,611 evacuees currently housed in relief centers across eight states as of 8 pm.