Grandmother eligible for zakat aid after son's death

In Bukit Gedung, Penang, Salmah Samsudin, a 72-year-old grandmother, has been deemed eligible for zakat assistance. This support comes after the recent death of her son, Shahir Zainul, leaving her to care for his two young children, aged 13 and 15.

Datuk Dr. Mohamad Abdul Hamid, Deputy Chief Minister I and Chairman of Zakat Majlis Agama Islam Negeri Pulau Pinang (Zakat MAINPP), announced that the aid package will include a monthly allowance and a one-off payment. This assistance is intended to ease the financial strain on the family following their loss.

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So, what we can help with is an initial one-off payment and a monthly allowance to help them sustain their lives.

"According to normal zakat procedures, this family needs to complete the documentation first before aid can be disbursed. So, what we can help with is an initial one-off payment and a monthly allowance to help them sustain their lives," Mohamad stated after visiting the family's home. He indicated that the monthly allowance would be around RM500 to cover daily expenses.

Mohamad also urged the Village Community Management Council (MPKK) to continue monitoring the family's well-being. He specifically emphasized ensuring that the two grandchildren continue their schooling. If documentation is completed within two weeks, aid is expected to be disbursed starting in August. The Penang State Welfare Department has also visited the family, providing immediate aid and a food basket from a local NGO.

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We ask that the MPKK ensure these two children continue to go to school because they are now 13 and 15 years old.