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RISING housing costs are emerging as a significant challenge for urban poor communities in Selangor, the Selangor Zakat Board (LZS) has acknowledged, with officials cautioning that financial aid may not fully cover current rental demands.
LZS Chief Executive Officer Mohd Khaidir Shahari said today the organisation’s primary emergency support for asnaf households includes monthly food allowances, followed by financial aid and rental assistance.
Asnaf refers to specific groups of people who are eligible to receive zakat, which is a form of obligatory almsgiving in Islam.
“This rent issue relates directly to shelter, to a place to live. Rent is one of the highest requested forms of aid, and rental values are rising. LZS can only provide up to RM800, but we see most rental rates in the Klang Valley around RM1,000 per month.
“We advise asnaf recipients to continue seeking employment to support their families and lift themselves out of poverty,” he said.
Mohd Khaidir made the remarks at a media briefing following the Muzakki Recognition and Zakat Handover Ceremony (IMTIYAZ) held at Wisma PKPS, Section 14, attended by Selangor Zakat Board Chairman Tan Sri Syed Anwar Jamalullail and Deputy Chairman Tan Sri Amrin Buang.
He added LZS requires approximately RM346 million in zakat contributions this month to sustain effective aid distribution to around 80,000 asnaf household heads in Selangor.
The end-of-year period typically sees heightened demand due to school preparations, rising living costs, and healthcare needs, placing additional pressure on limited support systems.
“The cost of housing is indeed high, and that remains a core challenge for urban poor families,” Mohd Khaidir added, emphasising the need for combined efforts between financial aid and personal economic resilience to alleviate poverty.
This statement underlines the persistent struggle of urban asnaf in balancing basic living expenses against limited financial aid and the pressing need for community and government interventions to bridge the gap. - December 16, 2025