Zainal Abidin Osman (second from left) handing out Raya gifts to the less fortunate at the Rumah Murah community hall in Endau. — File picture

THE Johor Religious Council is allocating RM1.4 million to build and repair 60 homes of the poor statewide under the “Programme Bantuan Rumah” (PBR) throughout this year.

State Religous Committee chairman Datuk Zainal Abidin Osman said the homes comprised 30 new houses and another 30 which are in need of repairs.

He said the council is setting aside an average of RM33,000 to build a house. For houses needing repair, the council is giving an average of RM11,000 for each house.

The is because the allocation varies with each house.

“The Kluang district has the highest number of recipients under the PBR programme as RM214,500 has been allocated for eight houses, which include new and existing homes.

“This is followed by Batu Pahat, which receives RM152,900 for seven houses, including both new and existing houses,” said Zainal Abidin.

He said this after handing over Hari Raya contributions to 60 individuals at Kampung Sri Lalang, Mersing, recently.

Zainal Abidin said Muar, Pontian, Kota Tinggi, Mersing, Ledang and Kulaijaya received a total of RM826,100 to build and repair a house in each district.

Another five homes are being built in Segamat, and another four in Johor Baru at a total cost of RM225,500.

“The programme is being funded by the council with zakat (tithes), which is intended to eradicate poverty in the state,” he said.

As of July this year, the council has collected RM47.3 million in zakat for this year. It targets to collect RM147.64 million in zakat by year’s end.

“Usually, payers fulfil their zakat at at the end of the year. The council hopes the target would be met to enable recipients to benefit from the money. Meeting the target is crucial to ensure that the distribution of zakat is done efficiently, and so enable the state to reduce poverty.”