SHAH ALAM, Feb 20 — Zakat distribution is focused on empowering poor households through education, skills training, and entrepreneurship as a long-term approach to help asnaf rise above the poverty level, said Lembaga Zakat Selangor (LZS) chief executive officer Mohd Khaidzir Shahari.
He said 60 to 65 per cent of the zakat collected is allocated to efforts in aid of low-income groups.
He added that LZS, through partnerships with public and private higher learning institutions, is working to ensure low-income groups have surer education pathways that aren’t halted due to financial constraints.
He also said those from poor households will be empowered with technical and vocational education and training to allow them to find work and exit the urban poor category.
Khaidzir said LZS provides capital aid and collaborates with industry partners and experienced entrepreneurs to guide low-income earners in building their businesses in a more orderly and sustainable manner.
He added that monthly financing, housing, medical, and education tuition aid are also channelled according to each applicant’s need as a supplementary intervention to ensure each family’s basic stability before empowerment programmes are activated.
Khaidzir said the approach provides not only immediate aid, but also a long-term platform for low-income earners to gain independence and sustainably improve their standard of living.
