Kuala lumpur: Staff of the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) have been reminded not to misappropriate zakat funds, as such actions would not only harm their well-being in this world but also in the hereafter. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar emphasized the importance of integrity and trustworthiness in the management of zakat funds during the MAIWP MADANI Education Excellence and Inspiration Awards ceremony at the Main Hall of the Federal Territory Mosque today.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Mohd Na'im stated that the reminder has been repeatedly conveyed to the agency's chairman and chief executive officer to be relayed to MAIWP staff. He stressed the severe consequences of misusing zakat funds, noting that even a single cent that is misused, withheld, or misappropriated could endanger well-being both in this world and the hereafter. He urged staff to take the reminder to heart and apply it with utmost sincerity.
Dr Mohd Na'im also addressed recent developments regarding the alleged misappropriation of zakat funds. He stated that there had been no attempts to protect any individuals involved and that firm action would be taken in accordance with existing rules and laws. This follows the arrest of a former employee of a statutory body by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on suspicion of involvement in a syndicate misappropriating zakat allocation totaling about RM120,000, involving 28 ineligible applicants. The woman, in her 30s, was detained while providing a statement at the Kuala Lumpur MACC office.
Furthermore, Dr Mohd Na'im highlighted MAIWP's commitment to supporting education through financial incentives. MAIWP has allocated RM1.64 million in incentives to 602 outstanding students, recipients of general school assistance, and students from MAIWP educational institutions. This initiative is part of an annual event celebrating students who achieve excellence in national examinations such as the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM), and Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM).
Additionally, MAIWP awarded Quran memorization incentive grants totaling RM1.93 million to 620 participants. As of September, MAIWP has disbursed RM58.6 million in zakat funds through various education assistance schemes, including general school aid, support for professional college students, and scholarships for outstanding achievers. Overall, MAIWP channels assistance through 38 zakat schemes encompassing welfare, education, entrepreneurship, healthcare, protection, and ummah development, demonstrating its commitment to empowering human capital and enhancing the well-being of the ummah in the Federal Territories.