Kuala Lumpur: A total of 1,250 underprivileged students from institutions of higher learning (IPT) received RM200 each in financial aid today through the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council Zakat Collection Centre (PPZ-MAIWP) Ziarah Kasih programme. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar stated that the RM250,000 allocation was aimed at easing the financial burden of students from low-income families and giving them hope for a brighter future.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the aid was distributed to selected students from 10 IPTs around Kuala Lumpur, including Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Poly-Tech Malaysia (UPTM), Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), the National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM), and the International University College of MAIWP (UCMI). The initiative not only reflects PPZ’s concern for community welfare but also helps build public trust in the zakat distribution system.

Mohd Na’im mentioned that the student aid segment is part of five components under this year’s Ziarah Kasih programme, which also includes Iftar Perdana at Dataran Merdeka, Kasih Medik MAIWP, Kasih Komuniti, and Kasih Intelek MAIWP. He expressed concern that some students have been forced to skip meals due to financial hardship, which can seriously affect their well-being and academic performance. While this assistance may only provide short-term relief, it is hoped to ease their burden and help them stay focused on their studies.