KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) has announced a budget of RM1.67 billion for the year 2025, marking a 4.43 percent increase from the previous year’s allocation of RM1.60 billion. This budget increase is part of a broader strategy to focus on key areas such as the empowerment and welfare of asnaf (tithe recipients), human capital development, and digital advancement through initiatives like MAIWP IR4.0.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr. Mohd Na’im Mokhtar detailed the budget’s allocation, which includes RM1.34 billion for distribution, RM246 million for management, and RM87 million for development. The council’s projected revenue for 2025 is estimated at RM1.56 billion, representing a 12 percent rise compared to the current year’s RM1.395 billion.

Mohd Na’im outlined MAIWP’s goal of collecting RM1.2 billion in tithe through the MAIWP Zakat Collection Centre in the upcoming year. He also mentioned
additional revenue sources such as rental activities, tuition fees, investments, and grants from the Finance Ministry.

To further support asnaf facing financial difficulties, MAIWP has expanded its Debt Settlement Assistance Scheme in collaboration with the Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK). This initiative aims to help eligible asnaf settle their loan debts and improve their financial standing.

In conjunction with these efforts, Mohd Na’im announced a special incentive of RM500 for asnaf, which will benefit 33,000 recipients across Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan. The distribution of this incentive is scheduled for completion by December 31.