Selangor: The Selangor Zakat Board (LZS) today launched a high-impact Anda Hero Asnaf (You are an Asnaf Hero) campaign to increase awareness and promote zakat contributions among 3,718 personnel and officers of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) throughout the state.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, LZS chief executive officer Mohd Khaidzir Shahari stated that the board aims for the MAF to receive a Wakalah zakat refund amounting to RM125,000 from the initiative, following encouraging zakat collection in 2024.
Last year, LZS successfully collected RM425,000 in zakat from 393 MAF personnel through the salary deduction scheme, enabling the MAF to receive a Wakalah zakat refund amounting to RM53,000, which was fully utilised for the welfare and well-being of MAF personnel. Moving into 2026, LZS is targeting a collection of RM1 million, with a Wakalah zakat refund expected to reach RM125,000. This initiative is a testament that zakat serves as a source of strength to protect and provide to those in need.
Mohd Khaidzir emphasized the significance of the initiative as a result of a proactive effort and strategic collaboration between LZS and the Malaysian Armed Forces Religious Corps (KAGAT). Key components highlighted include LZS and KAGAT acting as strategic partners to provide comprehensive support in zakat education, collection platforms, advisory services, and salary deduction facilitation.
He further expressed confidence in achieving the RM1 million target if contributions could be increased, particularly by MAF personnel who previously paid zakat in other states but now channel their payments to Selangor. Just as the MAF serves as the nation's line of defence, zakat will safeguard social welfare, forming a force that not only protects the nation's security but also ensures no one is left behind.
In support of the initiative, KAGAT director-general Maj Gen Datuk Mohd Rashidi Bujai stated that MAF welcomed LZS' effort in providing MAF personnel with a means to strengthen moral integrity, heighten social awareness, and nurture spiritual consciousness through zakat payment. Initiatives such as Anda Hero Asnaf offer members the opportunity to purify themselves and their wealth in a transparent, systematic, and consistent manner.
He encouraged the 393 personnel and officers who have been contributing as little as RM10 per month to increase their contributions, though it remains voluntary and based on individual capacity. The briefing at Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque was attended by more than 400 MAF personnel from across Selangor and included spiritual enrichment sessions before the registration for the programme was opened.
The campaign introduced two participation categories: Wira Prihatin with a minimum contribution of RM10 per month and Wira Harapan with RM50 per month. Each participant is entitled to benefits such as Siddik and Khairat contributions, exclusive LZS souvenirs, and opportunities to take part in annual lucky draws and special MAF campaigns. Additionally, participants will be registered as members of the Muzakki Circle, enjoying a 100 per cent individual tax rebate.