THE Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) has been directed to give tithe aid to university students who are facing hardship.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Dr Mujahid Yusof said students who had to starve and live in crowded rented houses were included in the category of hardcore poor, poor and “fisabilillah” namely those eligible to receive tithe.

“The issue where students go hungry, eating once a day or live with more than 20 people in a house certainly affects the quality of their education.

“Based on that reality, the tithe institutions need to see how they can help reduce their burden,” he told a press conference after launching the National Tithe Month  today.

Mujahid said MAIWP should immediately investigate the matter and gather detailed information so that the students could be helped.

Asked whether the tithe money could be used to build dormitories or buy premises to house university students with financial difficulties, he said it was allowed.

Mujahid said in terms of food, the ministry through the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Department (JAWI) was carrying out a food bank programme at universities to help ease the burden of students. – Bernama, October 22, 2019.