Debated in Parliament on 9 Jan 2023.
Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked the Minister for Social and Family Development and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs with regard to the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore's (MUIS) financial assistance scheme (a) when was the eligibility income threshold last reviewed; and (b) whether there are plans to review again, in light of the inflation in costs of living.
The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) provides zakat financial assistance to eligible beneficiaries and supplements the main support provided from national social assistance efforts, such as ComCare.
MUIS regularly reviews the zakat financial assistance scheme to ensure that it continues to support the poor and needy in the community. In 2018, the income eligibility for zakat financial assistance was increased from a gross household per-capita-income (PCI) of $350 to $400.
MUIS will continue to work closely with both national and social service agencies to ensure that the zakat beneficiaries are able to access the available network of support.
PAPERCUTS