Some 1,021 veterans under the asnaf category, including widows and children, have benefitted from the foundation’s funds, says Affendi

By NUR HAZIQAH A MALEK / Pic By ARIF KARTONO

THE Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) foundation, Yayasan Veteran ATM, targets to distribute up to RM1 million in business charity for the year.

Defence Forces chief Tan Sri Affendi Buang said as many as 1,021 veterans under the asnaf category, including widows and children, have benefitted from the foundation’s funds.

“As much as RM524,800.20 was spent on the ‘Back to School’ relief, general welfare, education and patient equipment in 2019.

“This year, it is believed that the amount of charity recipients will increase,” he said at the launch of the Yayasan Veteran ATM as one of Lembaga Zakat Selangor’s (LZS) consultation agents.

He added that to reach the goal, the defence minister will require cooperation from entrepreneurs, corporates and organisations to pay their business charity (zakat) via the Yayasan Veteran ATM.

“The two financial institutions that have donated funds to Yayasan Veteran ATM’s charity fund are Affin Hwang Investment Bank Bhd and the military cooperatives.

“Asnaf, or the needy, should not be burdened by daily issues after having ended their services to the ATM. They deserve our attention and help even if they will not receive much, but the amount will surely help ease the burden,” he said.

LZS CEO Saipolyazan Mat Yusop said the target number is achievable for the foundation due to the consultation agent having a large base.

“Among channels that have received the most increase in zakat collection is via agents, and the agents can also enter a wakalah contract whereby they can give back to any recipients who fill the criteria.

“This collaboration with Yayasan Veteran ATM has also allowed us to penetrate another market where we can reach out to more potential contributors,” he said.

Through the partnership, Yayasan Veteran ATM plans to reach out to organisations related to the Defence Ministry to provide zakat services.

Affendi said organisations that contribute over RM50,000 in zakat in one year may receive a redistribution from LZS as much as 37.5%.

“This means that a zakat contributor will receive as much as RM18,750 to be given back to those who need it, namely the asnaf,” he said.

Yayasan Veteran ATM will work as LZS consultation agent beginning from April 19, 2019, until April 18, 2021.

Around 27 corporate organisations, which attended the launch, also attended the briefing programme which was held for organisations that plan to contribute for the business zakat.

Among the zakat programmes that have been held, or are currently ongoing and in the plans include a “Back to School” programme, which was held on Dec 20, 2019.

The programme gave contributions for the needy, who are either impeded by conditions or those who have small businesses. Medical equipments that are not paid by the government were also aided by the foundation.