SHAH ALAM, Aug 9 (Bernama) -- The Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) channelled more than RM17 million in zakat (tithe) last year to assist 13,945 asnaf riqab who required rehabilitation, protection, treatment and prevention assistance in Selangor.
MAIS said the allocation was channelled through rehabilitation grants for riqab rehabilitation homes, courses and training programmes, counselling services and welfare contributions at three rehabilitation homes and 24 riqab rehabilitation facilities operated by the council.
“This initiative is continuing this year. From January to June, a total of 1,656 asnaf riqab were assisted with RM4.1 million in zakat allocations through various forms of guidance and welfare assistance.
“MAIS has also appointed 213 Al Riqab guides to help these individuals return to the right and righteous path,” the council said in a statement.
In the same statement, MAIS also announced the Riqab Liberation Month Campaign 2026, which is being held from Aug 1 to 31 to raise public awareness and encourage various parties to work together in reaching out to this group.
According to MAIS, various programmes will be held throughout the campaign, including riqab forums, informational talks, guidance programmes, information counters, the Ihtifal Amal Islami Riqab Rehabilitation Homes and the Selangor Riqab Seminar, aimed at raising public awareness of social and faith-related issues.
Members of the public seeking further information about the campaign can follow updates via MAIS’ social media platforms or its official website.
The asnaf riqab refers to individuals who are afflicted by social and faith-related problems, including drug addiction, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues, as well as Muslims who have deviated from the faith, as decreed in a fatwa issued in 2012.
-- BERNAMA