The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the emergence of a new segment of vulnerable people who have been exposed to microcredit by loan sharks. They have either lost their jobs, been forced to take unpaid leave, or had to temporarily close their businesses due to Movement Control Orders (MCO) imposed by the government. This situation is expected to persist even after the pandemic has ended, and thus requires financial intervention. Zakat, the third pillar of Islam, serves as a wealth redistribution system that is expected to address poverty issues and social inequality so that “… wealth is not circulated solely among the rich” (Qur’an, 59:7). In the long run, a mustahiq (zakat-eligible recipient) should be able to escape poverty and eventually become a muzakki (zakat payer). On the other hand, the pandemic crisis has affected the amount of zakat collection. Some states in Malaysia and other countries have reported a deficit in zakat funds due to a decrease in zakat collection and an increase in zakat distribution.