KUALA SELANGOR, The Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) has allocated RM2.4 million for cash distribution of pocket money, to 8,000 students across the state, this year. MAIS chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof said that this allocation is part of the overall fidyah (obligatory payment for Muslims unable to fast during Ramadan) distribution budget for the state, which totals RM12.4 million this year. Abdul Aziz said that the student pocket money will be distributed and managed by eight appointed MAIS Fidyah Distribution Strategic Partners (RSAFM). These include six public and private higher education institutions: Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Islam Selangor, Management and Science University, and Universiti Selangor. 'Additionally, two MAIS agencies have been appointed as RSAFM, namely the Selangor Islamic Religious Department and the Darul Ehsan Islamic Foundation,' he said in a speech at the launch of the MAIS fidyah stu dent pocket money distribution programme, at UiTM, Puncak Alam Campus, today. Abdul Aziz emphasised that the programme is part of MAIS fidyah distribution initiatives, aimed at providing financial support to deserving students to help them during their studies. He explained that the criteria for receiving the fidyah pocket money include students who fall into categories defined by Islamic law, such as the poor or temporarily disadvantaged. 'This initiative not only alleviates students' financial burdens, but also reinforces MAIS' commitment to enhancing the educational support system in Selangor,' he said. Source : BERNAMA News Agency