KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) launched its Tabung Ihya' Ramadan today to collect funds for resource programmes and spiritual events throughout the month of Ramadan.

The MAF Headquarters Public Affairs Division said in a statement today the launch would also strengthen the spirit of Islam in every MAF mosque and surau, besides collecting donations from individuals and corporate bodies.

It also aims to raise awareness among armed forces personnel so that they are physically and spiritually prepared to usher in the fasting month of Ramadan this year.

The fund was launched by Chief of Defence Force Gen Tan Sri Affendi Buang at the Khalid Al-Walid  Kementah Mosque here today.

"This year, the mosque received a total of RM13,253.60 in contributions in the form of coupons with a minimum value of RM2 and a maximum of RM5 that have been distributed to ATM personnel at the armed forces headquarters as well as the Army, Navy and Air Force headquarters.

"The mosque also received a personal contribution from an individual, Md Humayun Kabir Al-Haj Hakim worth RM84,200 for the bubur lambuk, iftar and sahur programmes at the mosque totalling RM97,453.60," according to the statement.

Affendi also handed over a contribution from the armed forces Zakat Fund totalling RM195,200 to the Chief of Defence Force and the representatives of the chiefs of the respective services to finance programmes and spiritual programmes at armed forces mosques and suraus.

-- BERNAMA