Federal Territory PPZ-MAIWP collects RM758 mln last year

LABUAN: The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council Zakat Collection Centre (PPZ-MAIWP) has collected RM758 million in tithe last year, compared to RM688 million in 2019.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri said the increase was partly contributed by the improving economic growth in the country.

"Zakat collection has increased by 11 per cent and this will help MAIWP to diversify its assistance schemes to the asnaf group (eligible tithe recipients)," he said after addressing 150 civil servants of religious government bodies at the Darul Kifayah Complex Hall here today.

He noted that MAIWP Labuan has played proactive roles in improving the livelihood of the Muslims community on this duty-free-island through the distribution of zakat under its various assistance schemes such as monthly assistance, house rental assistance, Al-Gharimin (debt-ridden) assistance, Ibnu Sabil assistance (for those who are stranded while travelling), medical assistance as well as school assistance.

"MAIWP will continue to make efforts to ensure the asnaf group is well taken care of and live comfortably," he said, adding that Labuan Baitulmal has set aside RM20 million this year to be distributed under various assistance schemes for the group.

"These assistance schemes seek to lessen the financial burden of the asnaf group affected by the COVID-19 pandemic," he added.

--BERNAMA