ALOR STAR: Individuals who are part of the asnaf group and are facing marital and divorce issues are encouraged to seek assistance through the Asnaf Legal Aid Scheme organised by the Kedah Tithe Board and Legal Aid Department.
Legal Aid Department director-general Datuk Norazmi Mohd Narawi said since 2021, the scheme has successfully resolved 64 syariah court cases involving asnaf groups.
"There are asnaf individuals caught in limbo due to divorce proceedings. Initiating this project with zakat funds has proven to be an optimal solution for their problems. Hiring a lawyer would otherwise require high costs.
"Many ask, what is the Legal Aid Department? What does it do? In partnership with the Kedah Tithe Board, we formed a collaboration to assist asnaf groups in Syariah court trials," he said during a press conference at Menara Zakat, here, today.
Also present was Kedah Tithe Board deputy chief executive officer (Operations) Dr Mohd Faisal Mustafa.
Norazmi said that the Kedah Tithe Board is committed to the success of the scheme, aiming to benefit more asnaf members by periodically increasing the fund.
"According to our records, we handled 43 asnaf cases with a remaining fund of RM15,000.
"Our target group includes those in areas south of Kedah like Kulim, Sik, and Baling. We aim to ensure no one is left out due to lack of awareness on this scheme."
He said the scheme also extends to new Muslim converts facing Syariah court cases.
Meanwhile, Faisal said the Kedah Tithe Board has allocated RM20,000 in tithes annually to the Legal Aid Scheme since 2021.
"Up to this year, the board has contributed RM60,000 to the Legal Aid Department over a three-year period."