SHAH ALAM (Bernama): The Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) has allocated a baitulmal contribution of RM50,000 to supply equipment for the management of remains of Covid-19 victims at hospitals in Selangor.

       MAIS secretary Dr Ahmad Shahir Makhtar said contributions like body bags and personal protective equipment (PPE) were channelled to the Amal Valley Organisation, which was appointed by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) to manage the bodies of patients who died from Covid-19 in hospitals in the state.

       "We understand that one Covid-19 death will incur a minimum cost of RM940.50, for one body bag and seven sets of PPE.

       "This is to ensure smooth funeral arrangements because they have to be managed by a trained and experienced team,” he said in a statement on Wednesday (July 21).

       Ahmad Shahir said the contribution was also a form of support by MAIS in the interest of Muslims in Selangor who are facing a difficult situation during the Covid-19 pandemic.

       "The management of remains is an obligation of Muslims and every burial must be carried out as quickly as possible.

       "As such, with this contribution, the management of remains of Covid-19 victims, which is different from the management of ordinary bodies, can be facilitated,” he said.

       In the same statement, Amal Valley Organisation manager Dr Azfar Hussin thanked MAIS for the contribution as there was a dire need for PPE as the number of bodies was increasing and funds were running low. – Bernama