MAIWP UNVEILS RM1.6 BILLION BUDGET TO SUPPORT MUSLIM COMMUNITY

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 (Bernama) -- The Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) has allocated RM1.6 billion to strengthen welfare, education and community development initiatives for Muslims in the Federal Territories under the MAIWP Budget 2026.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said MAIWP is focusing on two main areas of expenditure for asnaf groups: their welfare and empowerment, and the enhancement of educational opportunities for the ummah, involving a total of RM1.354 billion.

For the welfare and empowerment of asnaf, RM1.157 billion has been allocated for various forms of assistance, including welfare, protection, medical support, ummah development, asnaf management, wakalah and the Amil zakat division.

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For education enhancement, RM197.22 million has been allocated for educational clusters as well as educational and welfare institutions.

“The MAIWP Budget 2026 places strong emphasis on improving the well-being of asnaf by providing basic needs and implementing holistic development programmes to raise their standard of living, both socially and spiritually,” he said.

At the same time, he said MAIWP is prioritising the education of asnaf children from early years to university level to help them realise their full potential and become agents of change for their families.

Mohd Na’im also said RM250.7 million has been allocated for operating expenditure, which covers MAIWP’s management and operational activities, while RM73.65 million has been earmarked for development, including property development, asset acquisition and investments that benefit the ummah.

He said the MAIWP Budget 2026, themed “Kesejahteraan Ummah” (Well-being of the Ummah), was drafted prudently and realistically to ensure every ringgit spent delivers the best outcomes for the people, without reducing any existing programmes or initiatives.

The large allocation, he added, takes into account current economic conditions and the issue of urban poverty in the Federal Territories, which remains a key concern for MAIWP.

“Current household incomes are not keeping pace with rising living costs, which significantly affects the well-being of communities, especially asnaf groups in the Federal Territories,” he said.

Mohd Na’im said MAIWP’s revenue for 2026 is estimated at RM1.7 billion, an increase of 9 per cent compared with this year’s RM1.5 billion.

MAIWP is targeting RM1.37 billion in zakat collection next year, in addition to income from rentals, tuition fees, investments and grants from the Ministry of Finance.

-- BERNAMA