Ministry of Islamic Affairs has revealed USD 200,000 has been spent from the Zakat Fund this year to provide medical assistance for the needy.
Speaking to PSM News, Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr. Ahmed Zahir Ali said a total of USD 217,000 has been spent so far this year on providing medical assistance. Dr. Zahir added USD 1 million was spent from the funds last year for medical assistance.
The Islamic minister further revealed an additional USD 323,000 was spent from Zakat Fund as part of the assistance provided amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Revealing details of the expenditure, the minister said USD 64,850 was spent to assist Maldivians who were rendered homeless due to COVID-19, while an additional USD 97,270 was spent on assisting 55 Quran classes and preschools in need of assistance. He said the Zakat Committee has decided to use up to USD 1 million on COVID-19 related expenses.
The government of the Maldives is using Zakat Fund to assist those in need of funding for medical treatment, in addition to assistance on education. The fund has also been previously used to renovate mosques and fund other projects related to the public.