KUALA LUMPUR: Staff of the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council have been reminded not to misappropriate zakat funds as such actions harm their well-being in this world and the hereafter.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said this reminder has been repeatedly conveyed to the agency’s chairman and chief executive officer for relay to all MAIWP staff.
He urged staff to remain trustworthy and uphold integrity in performing their duties involving zakat collection and distribution.
“Even a single cent of zakat funds that is misused, withheld, or misappropriated will endanger our well-being both in this world and the hereafter,” he said at the MAIWP MADANI Education Excellence and Inspiration Awards ceremony.
Mohd Na’im stated that prosperity will never be found through misappropriated zakat funds and hoped his reminder would be taken to heart and practised with utmost sincerity.
He previously confirmed there have been no attempts to protect individuals involved in alleged zakat fund misappropriation and that firm action would be taken according to existing rules and laws.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission recently detained a former employee of a statutory body suspected of involvement in a syndicate misappropriating zakat allocations.
The suspect was arrested while giving her statement at the Kuala Lumpur MACC office regarding approximately RM120,000 involving 28 ineligible applicants.
A magistrate’s court granted a four-day remand order for the woman in her 30s to assist investigations under the MACC Act 2009.
Meanwhile, Mohd Na’im announced MAIWP has allocated RM1.64 million in incentives to 602 outstanding students comprising general school assistance recipients and students from MAIWP educational institutions.
He explained this annual event celebrates students who achieved excellence in the 2024 SPM, STPM, and STAM examinations.
MAIWP also awarded Quran memorisation incentive grants totalling RM1.93 million to 620 participants during the ceremony.
As of September, MAIWP has disbursed RM58.6 million in zakat funds through various education assistance schemes including general school aid and professional college support.
The organisation channels assistance through 38 zakat schemes encompassing welfare, education, entrepreneurship, healthcare, protection, and ummah development.
This comprehensive approach demonstrates MAIWP’s commitment to empowering human capital and enhancing community well-being in the Federal Territories. – Bernama
