Kuala lumpur: The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) is making strides in addressing urban poverty and homelessness through its Homeless Outreach Programme Series 3/2026. The initiative is utilizing zakat and corporate wakalah funds to assist the urban asnaf and homeless in the Malaysian capital.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the programme, in collaboration with the National Welfare Foundation (YKN), NexG Berhad, and individual wakalah contributors, has allocated RM21,000 in aid to the Kuala Lumpur Homeless Transit Centre (PTGKL) and asnaf individuals around Pudu Raya. MAIWP chairman Datuk Syed Kamarulzaman Syed Kabeer highlighted that NexG Berhad's contribution of furniture and basic necessities, valued at RM18,000, aims to enhance the living conditions of PTGKL residents.
Additionally, two individual wakalah contributors, Wan Ahmad Sanusi Mahmood and Zulkefli Mohd Johan, provided essential items worth RM3,000 to 30 asnaf and homeless individuals in Pudu Raya. Syed Kamarulzaman emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts among government agencies, religious institutions, welfare organizations, the corporate sector, wakalah contributors, and the community to combat homelessness and urban poverty effectively.
He further noted that the programme regularly demonstrates the role of zakat in supporting individuals migrating to the city from different states in search of employment but encountering challenges in securing stable jobs. For MAIWP, the programme's value is not solely in the monetary contribution but in its capacity to alleviate burdens and inspire hope among the beneficiaries.
Nordina Haron, CEO of YKN, mentioned that PTGKL, which has been under YKN's management since 2016, currently accommodates around 70 residents, despite having a full capacity of 200. Since its inception, PTGKL has supported over 5,000 residents, providing temporary accommodation and necessary interventions.
A resident, identified only as Bob, 39, shared that the temporary housing offered by PTGKL was crucial when his burger business failed due to rising costs, rendering him unable to pay rent. Bob expressed gratitude for the agency's support, which facilitated his connection to potential employers, enabling him to secure a new job in Shah Alam, Selangor.