He said besides the poor, those affected by the floods may also be entitled to receive Zakat if they were categorized under the Al-Gharimin group or those trapped with their liabilities to fulfill basic need.
“Prior to this, some states have considered those affected by calamities such as floods under Al-Gharimin category, which means this group of people may be given consideration by the mufti.
Othman was speaking to reporters after sending off Jakim and Federal Territory Islamic Affairs Department (Jawi) Ekspedisi Kasih dan Kemanusiaan post-flood relief teams on their aid mission.
He said 14 vehicles and 88 volunteers have been deployed in the mission to deliver cash aid as well as prayer kits, school supplies, gas cylinders, crockery and mattresses worth more than RM200,000.
The aid would be extended to about 450 families in several areas affected by the floods, including Temerloh, Gua Musang, Kuala Krai, Kota Baharu, Jeli, Tumpat, Machang, Tanah Merah and Pasir Mas.
“This second phase of relief aid will focus mainly on Jakim officials, students of Darul Quran, mosque officials, community leaders and aboriginal communities affected by the floods,” he said.
— BERNAMA