Selangor: The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has expressed concern that zakat contributors might assume there are no longer any poor and needy groups in the state, which could affect zakat collection.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, in a Facebook post by Selangor Royal Office, His Royal Highness emphasised that new cases of poverty continue to emerge in Selangor, with about 14,000 families categorised as poor and needy based on data from Lembaga Zakat Selangor (Zakat Selangor) last year. The Sultan urged that no party should misunderstand claims suggesting that hardcore poverty has been eradicated in Selangor, as there are still zakat recipients identified as poor and asnaf.

The post highlighted that the determination of asnaf status by Zakat Selangor relies on the 'had kifayah' calculation. The increase in the number of new asnaf was attributed to proactive efforts by Zakat Selangor in enhancing assessment processes, detection, and outreach to eligible families.

Meanwhile, more than 2,800 poor and needy families have reportedly moved out of the poverty cycle through continuous intervention programmes. Sultan Sharafuddin expressed satisfaction with Zakat Selangor's performance, noting a zakat distribution of RM1.33 billion last year, with over 60 per cent directed to the poor and needy, benefiting over 75,000 families across the state.

His Royal Highness hopes that zakat distribution will continue to prioritize basic assistance such as monthly financial aid, food, housing, and educational support. He also urged Zakat Selangor to carry out the trust of zakat collection and distribution with responsibility, transparency, and integrity in accordance with Islamic principles.