Kuala lumpur: The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) has embarked on a new chapter in strengthening its zakat distribution system with the official opening of the Zakat Distribution Centre (PAZA) Batu branch at Jalan Pelangi 10, Taman Pelangi, here. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the opening of the modern community centre aims to ensure the zakat distribution process is carried out more quickly, comfortably, and easily accessible to local residents.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zulkifli highlighted that PAZA Batu is not merely functioning as a service counter centre, but also plays a role in reaching out to the community through various welfare programmes and community engagement. He conveyed these sentiments in a post on his Facebook page today.

Zulkifli further noted that as of June 23, MAIWP had distributed a total of RM505.6 million in zakat funds through 38 assistance schemes and human capital development programmes. This significant amount underscores the council's commitment to enhancing the welfare of the local communities.

In conjunction with the centre's opening, 50 food baskets valued at RM100 each were distributed to recipients in need. This initiative was followed by a "Ziarah Kasih" courtesy visit programme to the homes of zakat recipients in the vicinity of the Batu parliamentary constituency, particularly in the Pekan Batu People's Housing Scheme (PPR).