Zakat Institution Must Be More Proactive In Eradicating Hardcore Poverty - PM Anwar

BUKIT MERTAJAM, Nov 8 (Bernama) -- The zakat institution must be more proactive as a social instrument for addressing hardcore poverty, in line with the MADANI government’s agenda based on the values of compassion and Islamic social responsibility, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said the government is giving serious attention to resolving hardcore poverty, and this effort must be supported by all Islamic institutions.

“Sometimes we treat zakat as a mere ritual — simply about paying zakat — but we forget that the foundation of a nation’s institution lies in zakat and economic policies that must address the plight of the marginalised, neglected and poorest groups.

“That is how important zakat is in the context of eradicating poverty and fulfilling social responsibility towards the underprivileged; it is a vital institution,” he said when officiating at the Masjid MADANI Permatang Pauh development project in Taman Arowana here today. 

Also present were Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid.

Anwar also emphasised that the construction of a mosque is not merely to showcase architectural grandeur, but serves as a centre for building faith, moral values and a knowledgeable community that upholds Islamic principles.

Regarding the construction of the RM75 million Masjid MADANI Permatang Pauh, Anwar, who is a former Member of Parliament for Permatang Pauh, said it was carried out without using government funds and was instead financed through contributions from local and overseas supporters.

The Prime Minister stated that part of the amount was obtained through donations from his friends abroad, while the remainder came from domestic donors, including local Islamic companies.

Work on the mosque, located on a 2.22-hectare site adjacent to the North-South Expressway, began this year and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2027.

The mosque, covering more than 10,219 square metres, can accommodate up to 5,249 worshippers and is equipped with various facilities, including a multipurpose hall, library, lecture rooms, travellers’ rooms, staff quarters and extensive parking.

It is set to become a modern Islamic community complex, designed with the expertise of both local and international architects.

-- BERNAMA