Latest news with #SelangorIslamicReligiousCouncil

Barnama
3 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
MAIS Channels RM4.68 Million In Fidyah Pocket Money To 15,613 Students
SHAH ALAM, June 18 (Bernama) -- The Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) has distributed RM4.68 million for cash distribution of pocket money to 15,613 underprivileged students under the 'Agihan Fidyah MAIS Wang Saku Pelajar 2025' initiative. MAIS chairman Datuk Salehudin Saidin said that of the total amount of fidyah (obligatory payment for Muslims unable to fast during Ramadan) collection, RM1.83 million was allocated to public and private higher education institutions, while RM1.5 million was distributed to the state Education Department. In addition, he said RM1.05 million was channelled to the state Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), and RM300,000 to the Yayasan Islam Darul Ehsan (YIDE). 'The one-off distribution of RM300 per recipient under the 'Agihan Fidyah MAIS Wang Saku Pelajar' initiative is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal of achieving zero hunger. 'Through this initiative, MAIS aims to ensure that students from underprivileged families have access to sufficient daily nutrition, thereby supporting their academic performance and overall well-being. He said this during the launch of pocket money distribution initiative here today. Meanwhile, MAIS, in a statement, said that the initiative implemented in groups targeting specific beneficiaries, in collaboration with its fidyah distribution strategic partners (RSAFM) to help identify and distribute aid to eligible recipients. 'This is to ensure that fidyah contributions from the public are utilised optimally for the benefit of those in need,' it said. It also added that in 2024, MAIS distributed a total of RM4.84 million in student pocket money aid to 16,139 students across Selangor who met the eligibility criteria.


New Straits Times
07-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Mais urges haj scam victims to lodge police reports immediately
SHAH ALAM: Victims of fraudulent haj packages are urged to lodge police reports immediately and provide all relevant information to facilitate stern legal action against the syndicates or individuals involved. Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) chairman Datuk Salehuddin Saidin said prosecuting those involved in haj fraud is crucial to eradicating such practices and protecting Muslims from falling victim to scams. He also advised prospective pilgrims to verify the background and legitimacy of haj service providers by referring to the official list of licensed Hajj Pilgrimage Organisers (PJH) on the Lembaga Tabung Haji website. "Be cautious of offers that are too cheap or even free, as this is usually the modus operandi of fraudsters. "Also, immediately report any suspicious activity to the authorities for further action," he said in a statement today. The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, earlier expressed his sadness and disappointment over the increase in haj package fraud cases involving Muslims in the country. In a post on the Selangor Royal Office's Facebook page, His Royal Highness decreed that firm action be taken against any individual or travel agency offering haj packages that exploit and deceive Muslims. He expressed his disappointment at the latest incident reported by the media, in which more than 80 prospective pilgrims were left stranded at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), believed to be due to fake packages offered by syndicates.


New Straits Times
28-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
States should draft laws to govern mosque finances, says MACC
KAJANG: The Islamic authorities in all states should draft laws governing the financial management of mosques, said the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the commission had been receiving more complaints about the financial management and procurement processes of mosques and surau. "I strongly encourage this effort, starting with the Selangor Islamic Religious Council, but ideally, it should be extended to all state religious councils across the country. "Mosque management is crucial not only because mosques are symbols of Islam, but also because the institution itself must be strengthened. "Some mosques, particularly those in cities, manage large sums of money and require proper oversight," he said. Azam was speaking to reporters after launching Universiti Islam Selangor's Integrity Policy here today. He said religious councils must introduce clear regulations to ensure regular and consistent monitoring of mosque affairs. "This would also enable appropriate action to be taken against mosque committees or members who breach governance standards or violate rules set by their respective state religious authorities." He said that the absence of explicit state-level regulations governing mosque management has hindered the MACC's ability to act. "Because there are no clear regulations under the respective state enactments, the MACC cannot take legal action when members of mosque committees violate ambiguous or non-existent rules," he said. Azam said that while the MACC Act is a federal law applicable nationwide, it lacks specific provisions for mosque administration. "Our Act covers general misconduct across the country, but it doesn't specifically address the governance of mosque institutions. "This is unlike other sectors, such as cooperatives, which are governed by clearly defined laws. "For mosques, a more tailored legal framework is needed under each state's jurisdiction," he said. He said the financial responsibilities of some mosques were substantial, yet they operated without sufficient oversight. Earlier, in his officiating speech, Azam cited the purchase of cattle for korban (ritual sacrifice) as an example of mosque transactions that should be managed. "I once spoke to a cattle supplier who revealed that mosque committees had requested inflated prices. The actual cost was RM3,500, but they asked for it to be listed as RM4,500. He named several mosques that had engaged in such practices. "Unfortunately, cases like these are not uncommon. In our society, particularly when it involves religious affairs, people tend to avoid asking too many questions. "This culture of silence creates opportunities for individuals to enrich themselves," he said. Azam said places of worship of other faiths also needed to manage their financial transactions.


New Straits Times
23-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
'Less talk, more action,' Selangor sultan tells elected representatives
KUALA LUMPUR: Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has reminded elected representatives and local authorities in the state to adopt a "less talk, more action" approach in serving the people. "His Royal Highness also called on the state government to be more proactive in taking swift action, particularly on matters and projects that affect the people's well-being," the Selangor Royal Office stated in a Facebook post. Earlier today, Sultan Sharafuddin chaired the 159th meeting of the Selangor Council of the Royal Court at Istana Alam Shah. His Royal Highness witnessed the swearing-in of two new members to the council — Selangor Islamic Religious Council chairman Senator Datuk Salehuddin Saidin as an ex-officio member, and Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof as a member of the Orang Besar. "This edition of the council meeting concentrated mainly on discussions regarding Islamic affairs in Selangor," the Selangor Royal Office said.


The Sun
09-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
MAIS denies viral claim on Insan Rabbani tajwid focus
SHAH ALAM: The Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) has denied viral claims on social media alleging that its faith rehabilitation programme for former members of GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) focuses solely on the study of tajwid (Qur'anic pronunciation rules). MAIS secretary Dr Ahmad Shahir Makhtar said the Insan Rabbani programme, introduced to rehabilitate the beliefs (akidah) of former GISBH members, was approved on Feb 4. 2025, as aligned with the fatwa gazetted on Oct 16, 2024, which ruled that the beliefs, teachings, and practices of GISBH and its network deviate from true Islamic teachings. He said the programme is part of MAIS' broader efforts to restore the Islamic faith of former members, conducted in collaboration with the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS), and runs from Feb 15 to to August 2025. 'The Insan Rabbani programme is held every Sunday in 24 sessions, each lasting four hours, at four locations: Sekolah Rendah Agama (SRA) Country Homes in Rawang; Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque in Shah Alam; SRA Sijangkang in Kuala Langat; and SRA Sungai Kantan in Kajang. A total of 51 certified teachers are involved in delivering the modules,' he said in a statement today. Ahmad Shahir added that the programme follows the Istitabah Module, approved by MAIS in 2013, and includes key areas of Islamic education such as Qur'anic studies, akidah (faith), tasawuf (spiritual purification), and fikah (Islamic jurisprudence) tailored for adult participants. Regarding Qur'anic studies, he said participants learn not just tajwid, but also deepen their understanding of the Qur'an to improve their recitation and comprehension. 'The akidah module covers the foundations of Islamic belief, including the correct understanding of the attributes of Allah SWT, the role of prophets, and related concepts,' he said. The tasawuf component, he added, focuses on purifying the heart and cultivating good character traits, while the fikah module teaches practical religious rulings, especially on prayer, based on the Shafi'i school of thought. For children of former GISBH members, MAIS uses the JAIS Pendidikan Insani (Holistic Education) Module. This module aims to nurture children's personality and potential in a comprehensive and integrated way, guided by divine revelation and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad SAW. It covers areas such as akidah (faith), ibadah (acts of worship), and akhlak (morality). 'Therefore, the claim circulating on social media that the rehabilitation programme only focuses on tajwid is inaccurate and misleading,' Ahmad Shahir said. Previously, the media reported that a total of 2,474 former GISBH members, including 1,410 children, are taking part in the insan Rabbani programme, which began on Feb 15 and continues until August, involving several phases of rehabilitation.