KUALA LUMPUR, The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) remains committed to the educational development of asnaf children and huffaz (Quran memorisers) in the Federal Territories, providing various aid schemes that have benefited 80,059 students to date. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said that MAIWP offered 38 aid schemes covering welfare, education, entrepreneurship, and protection from early childhood care to higher education institutions. "All assistance is aimed at ensuring every asnaf child receives quality education, and so far, MAIWP has disbursed over RM735 million in aid through various schemes to those in need across Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan," he said at the Academic Excellence Awards Ceremony and Hafazan Incentive Presentation 2024/1446H here today. Mohd Na'im said that this year, more than RM3.13 million was awarded to 698 outstanding students, including recipients of the General School Assistance and stu dents from MAIWP institutions. The support included laptops, cash incentives, and contributions to the National Education Savings Scheme (SSPN-i). He added that 529 hafazan participants received incentives totalling over RM1.93 million from MAIWP, based on their Quran memorisation from Juz 1 to Juz 30. MAIWP continues to recognise the exceptional achievements of students and huffaz in the Federal Territories through the organisation of the Academic Excellence Awards Ceremony and Hafazan Incentive Presentation. Meanwhile, Athirah Ramly, 20, the recipient of the Best Student Award for the Malaysian Higher School Certificate (STPM), shared that financial aid from MAIWP had supported her educational journey. "I've been receiving MAIWP assistance since I was in school. Initially, I received aid in the form of school supplies, followed by monthly financial support for my expenses. "This assistance has been incredibly helpful because I only have my sister to rely on after my mother passed away, and my sister ma nages all the aid for me," she said. Another award recipient, Ubaidullah Rusli, 26, who received the Best Huffaz Award 2024, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, acknowledging that he never expected to be honoured for his efforts and dedication in completing his Quran memorisation. "I started memorising the Quran at the age of 14, and I am very thankful for being given the strength and opportunity to complete it," he said. Ubaidullah said the award was a source of hope and determination to continue spreading Quranic knowledge, making Quran memorisation a respected practice among future generations. Source: BERNAMA News Agency