Kuantan: The Pahang Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MUIP) has allocated RM22 million in educational aid for students from asnaf (zakat recipient) families in Pahang, with the assistance extending to those enrolled in higher education institutions (IPT).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MUIP's deputy chief executive officer (Baitulmal and Operations), Datuk Dr Asmadi Abdul Rahman, announced that 20 asnaf students, who excelled in the 2025 Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examination and secured admissions to public universities, received an initial contribution of RM2,000 each. Out of 30 names provided by the Pahang State Education Department (JPNP), 20 students successfully secured university placements.

The announcement was made after the 2026 Excellent Asnaf Children Educational Zakat Distribution Ceremony, officiated by MUIP's chief executive officer, Datuk Ahmad Hairi Hussain. Asmadi highlighted that MUIP offers monthly assistance of up to RM500, tailored to students' needs, with considerations for their study location and living costs.

Asmadi noted that the financial support could range from RM300 in areas like Kelantan or Terengganu, where living costs are lower, to higher amounts for students attending institutions such as Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) or Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) in Johor, where living expenses are higher. This assistance is designed to continue as long as students require it, including for specific needs in their final year, such as project-related expenses.

Additionally, MUIP is considering providing laptops to students based on their individual needs and fields of study once they enter university. For students offered opportunities to study abroad, MUIP is open to providing assistance based on their needs.