SHAH ALAM, March 12 — The Selangor Zakat Board (LZS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) to expand educational opportunities for students from asnaf families in the state.
Its chief executive officer Mohd Khaidzir Shahari said the collaboration provides an avenue for both LZS and MARA to identify potential asnaf students and provide educational assistance to enable them to continue their studies in a more conducive environment.
“The five-year initiative will include efforts to assist outstanding asnaf students in preparing to enter MARA Junior Science Colleges (MRSM) nationwide.
“This collaboration represents a strategic step in strengthening the educational development of asnaf children through the support of experienced institutions,” he said during the fast-breaking with Muzakki and Ramadan Zakat Handover Ceremony 2026 this evening.
Khaidzir added that the initiative also includes providing additional classes in critical subjects to improve the academic performance of participating students.
On average, 23 asnaf students secured places in MRSM under LZS sponsorship each year since 2023, enabling 129 students to receive educational sponsorship at the junior college.
Meanwhile, he said the collaboration between the board and MARA could also open pathways for asnaf students to pursue tertiary education, particularly in technical and professional fields.
“MARA has extensive expertise in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), which can help enhance the employability of graduates in the industrial sector.
“Beyond supporting the education of asnaf children, this collaboration also includes the implementation of skills training and entrepreneurship programmes for parents to help improve the economic standing of their families,” Khaidzir said.
During the exchange of the MoU documents, LZS was represented by Khaidzir, while the MARA Higher Education Division director Siti Aminah Abdul Kadir represented MARA.
At the event, 38 companies paid business zakat amounting to RM8.22 million to the board, while RM221,320 in zakat assistance was distributed for surau repair works, dialysis medical aid, entrepreneurship capital, and higher education scholarships for students at higher learning institutions.
