The distribution of Fitr Zakat has started in Male' at the rate of MVR 8,000 per head.
The money will be deposited to the bank accounts of people registered as poor in Male', said Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, who is also chairman of the Zakat House.
"The families of people whose wives and children faced impoverishment due to them being jailed for various reasons will also receive assistance from Fitr Zakat. Those in the children's home and center for people with special needs will also receive from Fitr Zakat," Shaheem said.
Historically in the Maldives, Zakat funds collected from an island were distributed to poor people on the island, Shaheem said. If there was no one registered as poor, it would be distributed to the nearest island with low-income individuals, he added.
The number of people who paid Fitr Zakat this year was high, he said.
According to the Zakat House, MVR 4.49 million was collected by the 20th day of Ramadan.
The distribution of staples collected as Fitr Zakat also started yesterday.
The distribution of staples is taking place at the Aminiyya School hall, the Zakat House said. It will be handed out to people on the registry.
Last year, Fitr Zakat was distributed to 1,736 people in Male' at a rate of MVR 3,450 per person after more than MVR 9 million was collected during Ramadan. More than 8,000 people are registered as poor across the country.
