The Ministry of Religious Affairs has initiated a programme dubbed “Program Pengupayaan Asnaf Zakat” or Asnaf Zakat Effort Programme that is aimed at providing zakat receivers with skills and abilities through guidance and training at the Youth Development Centre under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
This was stated by the Minister of Religious Affairs during the Sixth Legislative Council Meeting where he also mentioned that participants, during the duration of the programme, will be given working opportunities with the government as well as private sectors.
According to Pehin Jawatan Luar Pekerma Raja Dato Seri Utama Dr Ustaz Haji Awang Mohd Zain bin Haji Serudin, skills and abilities acquired will assist in “extracting individuals and their families from poverty and to open up working or business opportunities whilst reducing the dependence on any financial aid agency”.
The minister also advised those under the zakat programme to “utilise the zakat wisely” such as spending mainly on their children’s education along with daily necessities.
“If these children succeed academically, they will therefore become the generation that can break the poverty cycle,” the minister said.
However, the minister added that those who are currently under the zakat scheme may re-apply as long as they still fall under the category of “asnaf fakir miskin” by approaching the Islamic Religious Council.
Although the programme does provide financial leverage for the poor, the minister encouraged zakat receivers to explore small business ventures as the government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam strongly stresses on the culture of being financially independent especially among those who have the mental and physical capabilities.
“Efforts exerted should be able to change the culture and mindset of being dependant on assistance from the government and other relevant agencies,” he said.
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