January-February. 2026 | @ Halal

LOCAL NEWS

new public outreach initiative, the # MadaniMembantu Campaign, was launched to strengthen ongoing government efforts to assist communities, particularly through programmes under the Prime Minister’ s Department( Religious Affairs).

Minister in the Prime Minister’ s Department( Religious Affairs), Zulkifli Hasan, introduced the campaign during his Address at the department. The campaign aims to enhance both the delivery and coordination of public assistance.

Posting on his official Facebook page, Zulkifli explained that the campaign aimed to align aid distribution with on-the-ground needs better, ensuring targeted groups receive support effectively.

Meanwhile, he said the RM2.6 billion allocation announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia under Budget 2026 would be fully utilised to strengthen the administration and development of Islamic affairs.

“ Support will be provided to the

PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the MADANI government will continue to strengthen the administration of Islamic affairs. This will be done inclusively and effectively to safeguard the well-being of the ummah and ensure lasting national harmony.

He said the commitment would be realised through consultative cooperation between states, anchored in the Federal Constitution and guided by the values and aspirations of Malaysia MADANI.

“ I attended the 74th Meeting of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs( MKI), chaired by

AID UNDER MADANI: The initiative forms part of broader efforts to enhance community development based on MADANI values.

the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah,” Anwar posted on Facebook on Jan 13.

“ His Royal Highness’ s guidance and advice, which emphasised leadership accountability, the empowerment of education and sound governance of Islamic affairs, are deeply meaningful and should be collectively embraced as we face current challenges, while strengthening the values, knowledge and conscience of Muslims in this country.”

The meeting, he said, reflected the spirit of consensus and unity between the federal and state

fullest extent to mosques, surau, religious schools, tahfiz institutions, pondok institutions, asnaf( tithe recipients) and students of religious institutions through costof-living assistance, education and community development based on MADANI values,” he said in the post.

Zulkifli also said a separate immediate allocation of RM200 million announced earlier by the Prime Minister would be channelled towards repair, upgrading and maintenance works at religious schools and tahfiz institutions nationwide.

Reflecting the MADANI Government’ s commitment to strengthening Islamic institutions, these initiatives are supported not only by officers from the Prime Minister’ s Department( Religious Affairs) but also by the wider community.

He added that these efforts demonstrated continued progress in safeguarding and nurturing Islamic development in the country.

governments. This spirit helps shape strategic views and decisions that benefit Muslims, in line with current needs and the realities of Malaysia’ s multiracial society.

At the meeting, Sultan Nazrin urged both federal and state governments to earnestly implement follow-up actions on all MKI decisions and resolutions to ensure the council delivers meaningful impact.

Apart from that, the Perak Ruler also stressed that Islam places strong emphasis on education that builds inner strength and produces balanced, holistic individuals, rather than pursuing academic achievement devoid of purpose and human values.

Sultan Nazrin further underscored that those entrusted to lead and manage Islamic institutions must possess unquestionable integrity, be proactive in thought, innovative in ideas, dynamic in execution, and courageous in exploring new frontiers.

A new waqf-based( Islamic endowment) funding initiative aimed at strengthening Islamic media and dakwah( Islamic outreach and propagation) efforts was launched recently, with implementation planned in three phases to support content development, infrastructure and long-term sustainability.

The Wakaf Media Fund was introduced through a collaboration between Yayasan Waqaf Malaysia and TV AlHijrah, positioning the initiative as an alternative funding mechanism for Islamic media organisations in the country.

Minister in the Prime Minister’ s Department( Religious Affairs) Zulkifli Hasan said the first phase of Wakaf Media would prioritise educational programming, including Al-Quran 104 and Hadis Sunnah 104, with the aim of enhancing public understanding of Islamic teachings.

The second phase would focus on improving facilities and providing technical support, while the final phase would involve developing media-related assets to ensure the initiative’ s long-term viability.

“ This is about agencies working together in coordinating and shaping the religious affairs agenda, particularly in advancing dakwah efforts,” he said after the launch.

Zulkifli said the initiative was also designed to help Islamic media organisations reduce dependence on conventional funding models by encouraging public participation through waqf contributions.

He added that salary-deduction contributions had already begun among officers within his ministry.

“ We have started collecting contributions, but the initiative has not been widely promoted yet,” he said.

According to him, Wakaf Media encourages involvement not only from public servants but also from the wider public, with contributions from government-linked companies and private-sector entities welcome.

“ We want people to be confident that their waqf contributions are managed transparently and produce tangible benefits,” he said.

He expressed hope that the initiative would foster a stronger culture of giving, reinforce Malaysia’ s standing in modern waqf practices, and support both economic development and spiritual well-being.-