SHAH ALAM - Lembaga Zakat Selangor (LZS) organised a special iftar programme called "Iftar Untukmu Mahasiswa" for 500 Management Science University (MSU) students yesterday, at Section 13 here on Monday.
Its Communication and Marketing Department, head, Norazimah Mohd Rayes, said the main objective of the program was for LZS to share blessings and encourage students to participate in the Selangor Zakat Community.
She added this was the first time LZS collaborated with a university to break fast together with students.
"We understand that some of these students may not be financially capable, and among these students, there are poor asnaf who are assisted by LZS, so this is a way we can help them break fast together," she said.
She said this after completing a "tazkirah" program, quiz, and distributing iftar packs at MSU.
Also present were the Stakeholder Relations and Corporate Communications Division Head Datin Norajun Ainun Mohd Hashim, and MSU President, Tan Sri Mohd Shukri Ab Yajid.
Norazimah said the food packs and snacks were prepared by the poor and needy people, which were later donated by LZS for the iftar event.
"LZS supports the businesses of the registered poor and needy with us. This way, their businesses can grow," she added.
Further commenting on the Selangor Zakat Community introduced since last year, Norazimah said this year, LZS wants more university students to be involved in volunteer programs.
"We want them (students) to experience the lives of the needy people and understand the assistance needed.
"From there, they can learn how to channel aid and contributions to them through the zakat platform," she said.
She emphasised that most students are proficient in social media, which is a faster and more efficient method to convey information, especially regarding the roles and assistance provided by LZS.
"We want them to be the eyes and ears of LZS; if there are people in need or in dire situations, they can relay information, and LZS will assist," she said.
She added that LZS also plays a role in helping them out of poverty through businesses, employment, and so on.
"When they succeed in the future after receiving help, they will also become contributors to that group.
"This cycle proves LZS's role in changing lives and assisting the needy and poor," she added.
Meanwhile, she also urged the public to pay zakat earlier to avoid forgetting.
"We must trust the Lembaga Zakat Selangor, which has a significant role in assisting the eight categories of recipients, including the poor and needy, as well as its role in developing the second generation of those groups to succeed," she said.