Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak has urged Malaysians to be grateful with the nation's progress and to drive home his point, cited the plight of Rohingyas.

He said Malaysians should not resort to tarnishing the country's image.

He also reportedly cited a Hadith, where it is said that even if one observes all his or her prayers, the person would not be guaranteed a place in heaven if he or she slandered others, created conflicts, destroyed unity and instigated problems.

He said the fact that foreigners are attempting to enter Malaysia at all costs proved that the country's economy was healthy.

"Although the national economy has improved, we are also facing challenges but we should not go to the extent of tarnishing the country's image.

"The Rohingya are sacrificing their lives to enter Malaysia, coming in droves in boats, and when they land in this country they prostrate themselves and kiss the ground of Malaysia which they regard as a land of plenty," he was quoted as saying by Bernama .

Speaking at a function in Serdang, Najib said the introduction of right government policies and prudent economic management are among the factors that contributed to higher tithe collection annually.

Raising awareness

He also said a proper tithe payment system implemented by the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP), such as deduction from salary and providing tax exemption, as well as raising awareness among Muslims were also contributory factors.

Statistics provided the evidence, he said, adding the tithe collected by MAIWP had risen from RM100 million in 2000 to RM532 million last year and RM585 million this year.

"If government policies do not bring about success and positive impact, it will be impossible for Muslims to achieve economic progress," he said.

Also present were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department and chairman of MAIWP Jamil Khir Baharom.

At the event, Najib handed over MAIWP Aidilfitri contributions totalling RM18.27 million to 53,800 poor in the federal territory.

The prime minister also launched the MAIWP mobile counter that enables the poor in the federal territory to apply for aid.

The applications are processed on the spot.

He also launched the Takaful Asnaf Baitulmal coverage plan of MAIWP, whereby the 20,000 recipients of monthly financial aid from MAIWP are covered up to RM600,000.