WAZAN ASSISTS 50,000 UPM STUDENTS WITH RM60 MILLION IN FUNDING

The initiative by Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) to establish the Centre for Waqf, Zakat and Infaq Management (WAZAN) has greatly contributed to the welfare of the university’s students since its establishment in 2016.
WAZAN UPM was established as a strategic university initiative to strengthen the role of higher education institutions in empowering welfare agendas and ensuring the financial sustainability of the university.

Among the objectives of its establishment is to generate university income in order to reduce dependence on government funding.
In addition, WAZAN also nurtures social awareness among the university community to share their sustenance through an organized Islamic financial mechanism.

According to a statement by UPM, WAZAN supports UPM’s agenda through the True North framework and the values of Knowledge and Service by focusing on the main pillars of beyond-expectation services and the best learning experience and campus life.
WAZAN also supports UPM’s efforts in terms of financial sustainability and instilling a spirit of philanthropy among the university community through Putra Bakti.

To date, the total number of beneficiaries is approximately 50,000 individuals, with total distributions exceeding RM60 million.
“There is a growing trend in assistance applications and an increase in the number of fisabilillah beneficiaries through student programme financial assistance,” the statement said.

At the same time, UPM provides an easy application mechanism through the e-WAZAN system (Student Zakat Application System) and the use of manual forms available on the website and at the WAZAN counter.
It stated that eligible applicants will receive financial assistance credited directly into their accounts, while non-financial assistance is channelled through distribution programmes.

The statement further explained that the source of assistance funds is derived from zakat, namely the return of zakat funds by the Selangor Zakat Board (LZS) from the monthly and annual zakat collections at UPM.
Zakat is paid by UPM staff, the local community, companies or organisations, and the people of Selangor.

In addition, corporate zakat contributions from companies or corporate organisations, waqf and infaq contributions through crowdfunding and fundraising from the university community, the public, as well as returns from waqf investments also contribute to the fund.

In addition, the annual zakat fund collection exceeds RM8.5 million, waqf exceeds RM1 million and infaq exceeds RM200,000, along with initiatives to generate new funds, strengthen digital payments, explore agricultural and livestock zakat in line with the Agriculture for the People concept or UPM’s role as an agricultural university, as well as collaborations with financial institutions as waqf fund providers, zakat scholarships and partnerships with alumni associations.

Regarding future planning, WAZAN UPM is working to increase zakat collections to ensure the continued benefits of returned funds, in line with LZS’s recommendations to assist UPM in upgrading learning infrastructure, developing more smart classrooms and providing zakat scholarships to outstanding asnaf students. – UTUSAN

Date of Input: 29/01/2026 | Updated: 29/01/2026 | rizal_helmi