THE federal government is mulling assisting mosques and surau affected by floods, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.

He said that although mosques and surau fall under the purview of state, the federal government is ready to assist if an application is made through agencies under the ministry.

“We do not have specific allocations to provide disaster aid. However, some religious agencies, such as the Malaysian Islamic Economic Development Foundation and Yayasan Dakwah Islamiah Malaysia, have received allocations.

“As part of the provision, there is an allocation to help people who have been affected by disasters or to be used in the event of emergencies,” he told reporters after delivering aid to flood evacuees in Pahang at the Tengku Mahkota Abdullah Mosque in Jerantut today.

The aid was given to 29 heads of households in Jerantut and 125 in Raub, who each received cash contributions, essential items and prayer kits.

In another development, Na’im advised the public to be careful when selecting travel agencies to organise their umrah trip to avoid being scammed.

“Check with the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry for information on blacklisted travel agencies.

“For Haj-related matters, checks can be done with Tabung Haji because we issue certificates (licences) to eligible travel agencies to act as Haj pilgrimage operators. Make sure that their certificates are still valid. I urge everyone to be vigilant so as not to be deceived by irresponsible parties,” he said.

Na’im urged those who have fallen victim to lodge an official complaint with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry for further action. – Bernama, December 30, 2023