Latest news with #Baitulmal
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Dharma Harun's son disappointed, offered indecent work for RM1k
PETALING JAYA: The second son of veteran actor Dharma Harun, Muhammad Al Syafiq, 36, revealed he once considered dropping out of the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (Aswara) to find stable employment. However, Syafiq said he abandoned that idea because he was unwilling to work with only his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) qualifications, and also due to moral support from various parties urging him to complete his studies. "Honestly, I thought about quitting my studies many times. But the dean, lecturers, and everyone else told me the same thing. They said I was different, that there was value in being at Aswara, which made me hesitate to quit. "My friends also told me it would only take a short while more, and if I quit, I'd be earning an SPM-level salary. I've managed to support my family by working while studying all this time," he said. Syafiq admitted he was embarrassed to publicly discuss his family's financial struggles. But he was desperate as his earnings from part-time work while studying were insufficient to support them. "Do you want to know the sad story about why I shared the post? The landlord told us to move out. The landlord was kind, but there were debts. "My salary was small. I truly hope the 'Deko Ibadah' programme could be aired on TV so we'll have financial resources. "Because things weren't going well, the landlord asked me to vacate within a month. I tried to find another house. But when they heard we'd be paying with help from Baitulmal, people weren't interested. "Whether I liked it or not, I decided to tell the public about our hardships. Thank God, after that, some aid came in, and the landlord said as long as I could pay, we could stay. I could use any donations for that purpose, but I did not stop working," he said. Earlier, Syafiq expressed his displeasure at criticism from netizens who accused him of being idle and hoping for his 69-year-old father, Dharma, to return to work to support the family. Syafiq clarified that he had undertaken numerous part-time jobs as a barista, model, and actor to support his family all this time. However, his monthly income of less than RM1,000 was simply not enough. Syafiq also revealed that he had received various indecent job offers that compromised his self-respect. Among them was an individual who brazenly offered RM1,000 for sexual favours. "I received all sorts of offers. For example, someone wanted to 'rent' my body for RM1,000. I just got that message early this July. There were even worse offers, but I don't think it's appropriate to share them publicly," he said. He admitted he wasn't surprised by such an offer, given his work as a model. According to him, the offer might have stemmed from posting photos from his portfolio on social media. Yesterday, producer Richard Ung organised a special screening of the action film 'Felai Fx', starring both Dharma and Syafiq, while also channeling donations to their family. Ung said that the event, held at the National Film Development Corporation (Finas), was primarily to help collect donations for Dharma due to their difficulties, rather than to promote the 'Felai Fx' film.
The Star
08-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Brunei Sultan calls for reforms in zakat governance during surprise visit
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah during the unannounced visit to the Ministry of Religious Affairs. - BB/ANN BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah on Tuesday morning (July 8) made an unannounced visit to the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA), where the monarch delivered a speech calling for a more efficient and accountable management of zakat, wakaf and Baitulmal affairs in Brunei Darussalam. His Majesty highlighted the divine wisdom behind zakat, explaining that it is a mechanism in Islam that enables the wealthy to share their resources with the less fortunate — a concept that showcases Islam's guidance in financial stewardship. The monarch expressed concern over delays in zakat disbursement, especially for the poor and indebted, and questioned the necessity of prolonged assessment periods that have reportedly caused applicants to wait months or even years. His Majesty questioned, 'Is it not sufficient for officers from the zakat department to conduct field visits together with village heads to quickly assess the applicants' actual conditions?' His Majesty also questioned the effectiveness of digital tools in zakat administration, encouraging the use of digital technology to streamline the evaluation and distribution process to make it 'efficient, fast, accurate and consistent'. The ruler further pressed the department to address communication inefficiencies, which he identified as potential obstacles to achieving national goals, including a high quality of life for citizens as outlined in Brunei Vision 2035. To strengthen institutional performance, His Majesty called for the formation of a steering committee to oversee zakat distribution and development of wakaf lands and Baitulmal assets. He advised that the committee should not be limited to religious scholars, but should also include professionals from entrepreneurship, private sectors and members of the National Welfare System. The monarch also called for the adoption of good governance practices by the Zakat, Wakaf and Baitulmal Department (JUZWAB), along with regular updates on milestones achieved, and urged transparency and vigilance in zakat management to prevent exploitation or misappropriation. Emphasising the importance of community outreach, His Majesty proposed regular public awareness campaigns — including TV advertisements and Friday sermons — to remind the public that zakat is an obligation, and that neglecting it is a grave sin. 'Zakat can lead its payer to paradise,' His Majesty said, adding that the lack of zakat collection may be due to a lack of public understanding, which the Ministry of Religious Affairs must address. His Majesty also posed several key questions to the ministry and JUZWAB, requesting written responses. These include inquiries into the causes of zakat distribution delays, the criteria for determining zakat eligibility across different asnaf groups, and the frequency and efficiency of assessment meetings. The monarch further questioned the existence of poverty statistics in the country and asked how many Bruneians are officially recognised as poor or destitute, as well as the effectiveness of empowerment programmes like PROPAZ in transforming zakat recipients into future zakat contributors. His Majesty concluded by urging ministry officials to uphold the trust placed in them with sincerity and responsibility, reminding them that failure to properly distribute zakat is not only a breach of duty, but also a sin. The visit ended with a Q&A session. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
New Straits Times
18-06-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Round-the-clock carer: One woman's battle for her family's survival
KOTA TINGGI: A housewife's daily life is a testament to her resilience, as she provides round-the-clock care for her bedridden husband and their youngest son, who is battling a range of serious medical conditions. Parini Masiran, 49, said her 14-year-old son, Muhammad Aqiel Asyraaf Zamri, was born with multiple health complications, including cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease, hyperactivity, gastroesophageal reflux and growth problems. "He requires close supervision and special care," she said. To add to the burden, her husband Zamri Daud, 57, was left unable to walk after a severe joint inflammation during Ramadan. He was terminated from his job as a security guard and is now awaiting approval for invalidity pension from the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso). "It started with swelling in his knee , however the inflammation worsened and now he's fully reliant on a wheelchair. I have to help him to the bathroom daily," she said. Despite the weight of caring for a disabled husband and a chronically ill son, Parini still clings to hope and faith. Her family survives on just RM900 in monthly aid. Parini said her family relies solely on the RM900 financial assistance from Baitulmal and the Social Welfare Department. RM400 goes to their household expenses, while RM500 is for her special needs child Aqiel. "Doctors once said he would not live long, but Aqiel is now 14. "He needs around RM1,500 every month for his milk, adult diapers and medical care. We get by because the house is fully paid for, but everything else is bare minimum." Parini has three children. One is still in Form Four while her eldest son is married and has his own responsibilities. "There's just enough for food," she said. "I can't take up work – I have to be home for Aqiel and my husband, however, to make additional income I sell kuih and banana chips when I can. Despite her hardship, she still wears a smile. "As a mother, we must be strong. Life and death are god's will, but we don't stop trying," she added.
Daily Express
10-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Advice to Muslim disaster victims on getting help
Published on: Saturday, May 10, 2025 Published on: Sat, May 10, 2025 By: Hayati Dzulkifli Text Size: Dr Mohd Arifin posing with some of the aid recipients while Razali and others look on. Kota Kinabalu: Victims of natural disasters such as fires and floods in Sabah are encouraged to report such incidents promptly to Sabah Islamic Religious Council (Muis) and Perbadanan Baitulmal to ensure timely assistance. Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin bin Mohd Arif, said Muis, through its Zakat division and Baitulmal, is prepared to extend aid to those affected especially through coordination with its local representatives throughout the State. He said the victims can also go to nearby Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (Jheains) in their respective districts or head office. 'This is what we hope for – whenever tragedy strikes, inform us immediately. God willing, Muis through Zakat and Baitulmal, will provide the assistance. 'Across Sabah, whenever we receive reports from local areas about victims made homeless and house damaged because of fire and flood, Muis, Jheains and Baitulmal representatives including at its headquarters will take immediate action. We will do our utmost to ease the burden on the victims,' he said. Dr. Mohd Arifin who is in charge of Islamic religious affairs and authorities said this to reporters here on Thursday after handing over financial aid to 10 household heads who lost their two houses to fire at Kg Darau, few weeks ago. Each affected family received RM1,000 from Muis and RM300 from Baitulmal. Also present were Darau Gagasan Rakyat divisional head Datuk Razali Razi and Perbadanan Baitulmal Negeri Sabah (PBNS) Chairman Datuk Dr Omar Raisul As-Salam Syah bin Datuk Sulaiman Omar and its Chief Executive Officer Ismail bin Mohd Adnan, among others. To a question, Dr Mohd Arifin who is also in charge of education affairs in Sabah said Muis, through its Zakat and Fitrah Division (BZF), allocates approximately RM40 million annually to support education and provide disaster relief aid to the victims in the State. Out of the total, he said M25 million is channelled specifically into the Derma Siswa education aid program, with the remainder used for broader educational development, teachers, zakat aid, and other needs. This year, he said zakat collections are estimated to reach RM45 million and will be used for educational purposes and relief aid for natural disaster victims, among others. Dr Mohd Arifin said the funding forms part of Muis' broader commitment to uplifting communities through both structured learning support and responsive disaster relief. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
