PRIME MINSTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced that the government has approved a significant allocation of RM35 million to enhance and support the waqf ecosystem in the country.
Waqf is the practice of donating property or assets for the public's benefit. It is a religious act that is intended to be a form of charitable endowment.
This funding is aimed at further developing the waqf system, which is a key component of Islamic social finance, and ensuring its continued growth and sustainability.
In his statement, Anwar detailed that of the total allocation, RM30 million would be specifically allocated to support the *myWaqafPTPTN* programme, while the remaining RM5 million would be directed to the Permodalan Wakaf Nasional Bhd (PWNB).
“This RM30 million allocation for *myWaqafPTPTN* is designed to provide educational waqf scholarships.
“It will be managed jointly by Yayasan Waqaf Malaysia and PTPTN (Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional Bhd),” Bernama cited Anwar saying.
He explained that the RM5 million allocated for PWNB would serve as initial capital to establish the organization and help manage larger waqf funds, particularly in supporting the development of Islamic social finance, which includes waqf, baitulmal, and zakat.
Anwar, who is also the Minister of Finance, made this announcement while officiating the 2025 National Waqf Month celebration at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) today.
He also highlighted that the myWaqafPTPTN* programme, which was launched last year, is designed to help students from underprivileged backgrounds, specifically those from the asnaf (individuals or households who are eligible to receive assistance from Islamic social welfare programs), M40, and B40 groups.
This new injection of RM30 million for the programme will provide further support for students in need this year.
The additional funding for PWNB, formerly known as Perbadanan Waqaf Nasional Bhd, aims to enable the management of larger waqf funds and contribute to advancing Islamic social finance in Malaysia, ensuring that more resources are available for charitable causes and community development.
Prime Minister Anwar also shared that several Malay-owned companies have expressed their interest in contributing to the country’s waqf economy, particularly through their involvement in Wakaf MADANI.
“Now, we are working on finalising various regulations, including the conditions these companies wish to include in the regulations and in the new waqf entity, PWNB,” he said, signaling further support for the waqf ecosystem.
Additionally, Anwar announced that the Department of Waqf, Zakat, and Haj (JAWHAR) would be coordinating these initiatives to ensure smooth implementation and effective collaboration among all involved parties.
Also attending the event were the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr. Mohd Na’im Mokhtar and the Director-General of the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim), Datuk Dr. Sirajuddin Suhaimee.
In a separate event, Anwar also participated in a charitable initiative, presenting a cash contribution to a fisherman in Pahang whose livelihood had been severely affected by recent rough seas.
The contribution was delivered to Supian Saman, 39, by Anwar's political secretary, Datuk Ahmad Farhan Fauzi, at Kampung Darat Sungai Ular, Cherating, as part of the Zirah MADANI initiative.
Ahmad Farhan posted on his Facebook that life as a fisherman is particularly difficult when the sea is rough, noting that Supian and other local fishermen had been unable to go to sea for four to five months due to strong waves, significantly impacting their income.
He also highlighted that Supian’s family was living in a dilapidated house, with walls close to collapsing and a roof unable to withstand heavy rain.
In response to these challenges, Ahmad Farhan confirmed that the Pahang Implementation Coordination Unit would assist in repairing Supian’s house to ensure the safety and comfort of his family.
“The Ziarah MADANI programme is not just about visiting those in need but also about providing meaningful assistance.
“We hope that Supian and his family will be blessed with abundance, and that their circumstances improve,” Ahmad Farhan added. – February 27, 2025
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