The collection of Zakat Harta (property tithe) and Zakat Fitrah continues to increase and its distribution is more efficient considering the need for assistance in distribution to the eligible recipients, said Minister of Religious Affairs Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman.
On an average for years 2018-2023, Zakat Fitrah collection showed an increase of 1.87 per cent while Zakat Harta also recorded an increase of 1.95 per cent, he said during the 20th session of the Legislative Council meeting yesterday. The up trend is a positive sign of the sensitivity of Muslims in this country on the obligation to pay Zakat Fitrah and Zakat Harta to accommodate existing and future commitments, the minister said. He said 13,428 applications have been received through the National Welfare System (SKN) throughout the past two years while distribution from the Zakat fund for the poor and destitute, Muallaf (Muslim converts) Al-Gharimin (debtor) and Amil (tithe collectors), showed an addition of BND20.9 million for 2021, BND24.2 million for 2022 and BND25.3 million for 2023.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin added that the establishment of the Zakat, Waqaf and Baitulmal Management Department expects Zakat management including collection and distribution are carried out orderly and efficiently.
The implementation of programmes and initiatives to strengthen the capacity of Zakat recipient is carried out in a planned and effective manner, the minister said. He stressed on the management and initiatives to develop property endowment and Baitulmal to safeguard the interests of target groups, improve the socio-economy of Muslims and contribute to strengthening the national fiscal in a synergistic and resilient manner. – Azlan Othman
