GEORGE TOWN – The Penang Mufti’s Department does not agree with the proposal to fly the white flag as an effort by those in need to apply for assistance from the public.
State Mufti Datuk Seri Wan Mohd Salim Wan Mohd Noor said in a statement today that the action was considered inappropriate as it reflected an attitude of despair and quitting due to the difficulties that they face.
As a Muslim, Salim said, the attitude of giving up and easily succumbing to hardship and poverty is forbidden in religion.
“There are still many other ways to get help in overcoming the hardships of those whose income has been affected during this pandemic period.
“Apart from the assistance channelled by federal and state governments, there are also (aid) from certain bodies and agencies such as the state Zakat Management Centre, Social Welfare Department, government-linked companies (GLCs) or the private sector as well as individual contributions,” he said.
The religious head was commenting on the white flag campaign carried out by the netizen on social media to help individuals who were cut off from food supply and affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Salim also called on all parties, including GLCs and the private sector, to increase efforts more aggressively to help those in need.
“Representatives at the parliamentary or state assembly level need to play a role as a liaison between the needy and those who provide assistance.
“It is possible that they do not know the way or method to apply for assistance from relevant parties,” he said.
The Penang government today approved an allocation of RM1.04 million immediately to help the needy in the state.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the allocation was an additional allocation that would be given to all state assemblymen to help the people, especially those who had to fly the white flag. – The Vibes, July 1, 2021
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