SHAH ALAM, 2 July 2021 – The Selangor Zakat Board (LZS) has allocated RM69.3 million in zakat distributions through 19 assistance initiatives under Zakat Selangor Peduli to support asnaf and the B40 groups affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, following the implementation of Movement Control Order (MCO) 3.0.
The assistance initiatives are expected to benefit 59,322 recipients and 431 institutions, implemented gradually until December this year.
Four key agendas have been outlined to distribute zakat in a targeted manner, prioritizing: meeting the basic needs of asnaf including the poor, destitute, and converts to Islam (mualaf); easing the burden on vulnerable groups; supporting the recovery of religious institutions in Selangor; and assisting the basic needs of frontline workers.
According to LZS Chief Executive Officer, Saipolyazan M. Yusop, “Through Zakat Selangor Peduli, LZS allocates RM25.7 million to support the welfare of the poor, destitute, and mualaf in Selangor. This includes basic needs and living assistance, as well as educational support, benefiting 36,622 recipients.”
The recipients include 1,000 individuals among Persons with Disabilities (OKU) and 7,000 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) students who will receive laptops and tablets with internet data to facilitate online learning (PdPR) during the MCO period.
Affected asnaf and non-asnaf small business owners will also benefit from the initiative, with RM1.5 million allocated to 700 recipients.
Meanwhile, RM30.6 million has been allocated to 431 institutions and 7,000 recipients under four initiatives aimed at supporting the recovery of religious institutions in Selangor.
Additionally, RM1.0 million will be allocated to support the basic needs of frontline workers through contributions to hospitals, COVID-19 Assessment Centers (CAC), and Vaccination Centers (PPV), funded from the asnaf amil allocation.
Saipolyazan also stated that LZS is allocating RM10.5 million in zakat specifically for vulnerable groups affected, particularly the B40 households whose income has been affected or who have lost jobs, benefiting 15,000 recipients.
“B40 groups residing in Selangor who have lost income or jobs can apply for Zakat Selangor Peduli assistance starting today (2 July) online via www.zakatselangor.com.my for a one-off RM500 aid, subject to terms and eligibility.”
Since the implementation of MCO 1.0 on 18 March 2020, LZS has remained committed to supporting asnaf, particularly the poor, destitute, and mualaf.
This commitment has also been extended to other affected groups such as street vendors, small business owners, workers who were laid off or placed on unpaid leave, and employees facing salary reductions.
Two main welfare distribution initiatives were implemented during MCO 1.0 and MCO 2.0, including the COVID-19 Special Assistance and Alternative Assistance for Affected Individuals, aimed at supporting asnaf and other impacted groups in Selangor.
