SHAH ALAM: Lembaga Zakat Selangor (LZS) distributed RM1.15 billion in zakat across eight asnaf categories, benefiting over 350,000 asnaf and numerous organisations in Selangor, for the year ended Dec 31, 2023.
This amount represents a 9.7 percent increase from the RM1.05 billion distributed the previous year.
The largest beneficiaries were 70,600 families within the fakir, miskin and muallaf segment during this period.
The continued success of zakat distribution is bolstered by the addition of 60,776 new zakat payers in 2023, increasing the total number of zakat payers to 398,184.
According to LZS, zakat distributions are directed towards advancing Asnaf development through five main pillars: social development, educational development, religious institution development, human development, and economic development.
Of these pillars, the largest portion of the funds, amounting to RM777 million, was allocated to the social development pillar.
LZS chairman Tan Sri Syed Anwar Jamalullail said the largest beneficiaries were families within the fakir, miskin and muallaf segment, receiving over RM670 million, or nearly 60 per cent of the overall distribution.
"This significant amount of zakat has provided crucial support to the asnaf, alleviating their burdens and enhancing their quality of life," he said in his speech at the LZS' 2023 Performance Announcement.
Additionally, LZS has dedicated RM171 million to educational assistance, fees, and scholarships to support Asnaf and help them achieve independence.In 2023, the efforts resulted in over 3,600 Asnaf being lifted from poverty, a 95 per cent increase from the previous year.
Syed Anwar said this marks the 30th year in providing service to the community, as more than RM11 billion worth of zakat has been distributed to those in need from 1994 to 2023.
"Beyond financial assistance and support via various needs, we also empowered the communities towards lasting success, with over 3,600 individuals overcoming their Asnaf status and becoming financially independent.
"We remain committed to fostering sustainable development among the underprivileged, exploring various avenues to ensure their long-term wellbeing and success," he said.