MELAKA: Some RM134mil in zakat (tithes) have been distributed to less fortunate groups by the Melaka Islamic Religious Council from Jan 1 to Nov 30 this year, says Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh (pic).
The Melaka Chief Minister said the funds were distributed through various programmes that addressed the education, healthcare and basic needs of the target groups in the state.
The tithes were also used to fund micro-grants for small businesses, he said at the Business Zakat handover ceremony here on Monday.
“I am committed to ensuring that every zakat fund collected is distributed effectively to those in need. This effort is in line with Melaka’s goal of fostering an inclusive and prosperous society.”
Also present were State Secretary Datuk Azhar Arshad and Zakat Melaka CEO Datuk Mohamad Azmi Sabtu.
This year, zakat collections had increased by 4.68%, reaching RM125.5mil between Jan 1 and yesterday, compared with RM119.9mil in the same period last year. This increase is attributed to Zakat Melaka’s continuous campaigns, media outreach, and zakat briefings.
“Zakat Melaka is strengthening its connections with the community through initiatives like the Zakat Salary Deduction Scheme and the Wakalah Zakat Distribution Programme. These efforts have significantly boosted collection,” Ab Rauf said, according to Bernama.
He added that employers could reclaim tithe funds through the Wakalah Zakat Distribution Programme for distribution to employees based on the procedures set by the religious council and Zakat Melaka.
At the ceremony, 11 agencies and corporate companies in Melaka contributed a total of RM479,039.98 in business tithes.
In addition, 11 public agencies and nine private agencies were recognised for their contributions, while six organisations received special awards for consistently fulfilling their tithe obligations and supporting Zakat Melaka.
