KUALA LUMPUR, May 14–The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) today launched the MAIWP Strategic Plan 2026-2030, which will integrate the use of advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the use of AI technology aimed to strengthen the profiling process of ‘asnaf’ (zakat recipient) groups and assess the impact of assistance programmes more accurately and effectively.
“What we are undertaking is not merely the launch of an action plan, but a mechanism to measure the extent to which the assistance channelled truly delivers impact and meets the actual needs of the asnaf.
“Through AI technology, we can ensure that every action is data-driven so that no asnaf is left behind, while managing the increase in new asnaf more systematically,” he said at a press conference after officiating the MAIWP Excellent Service Award (APC) 2025 ceremony and the launch of the MAIWP Strategic Plan 2026-2030 here today.
Earlier in his speech, he also expressed appreciation for MAIWP’s success in retaining the Clean Audit Certificate from the National Audit Department for the 19th consecutive year, proving the agency’s excellence in governance and transparency in managing the ummah’s funds.
Zulkifli said throughout 2025, MAIWP recorded zakat collection amounting to RM1.205 billion, while distribution reached RM1.22 billion through 38 assistance schemes.
“In fact, as of May 12 this year (2026), a total of RM447 million in zakat funds has already been distributed to needy asnaf groups,” he said.
On the Strategic Plan 2026-2030, he said it contained three strategic thrusts and four main drivers encompassing 34 strategies, 75 initiatives and 128 key performance indicators (KPIs).
The plan also emphasises sustainability aspects to ensure MAIWP remains prepared to offer solutions to the people in facing global economic challenges.
At the event, a total of 370 MAIWP staff members were honoured, comprising 117 APC recipients, while 243 officers received Service Appreciation Certificates and 10 recipients received the Loyal Service Award for 25 years of service.
He also recorded his appreciation to all staff members for their dedication and expressed hope that an excellent work culture based on the values of trust and compassion would continue to be strengthened in upholding religion and serving the community.
Also present were MAIWP chairman Datuk Syed Kamarulzaman Syed Kabeer and MAIWP chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Nizam Yahya.
— BERNAMA
