MAIDAM RECORDS RM205.85 MILLION IN ZAKAT COLLECTION AS OF NOV 5

KUALA TERENGGANU, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- The Terengganu Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIDAM) has collected RM205.85 million in zakat from January to Nov 5 this year.

Its president Datuk Shaikh Harun Shaikh Ismail said that during the same period, the agency also distributed RM262.52 million in zakat funds to the needy.

“Of the total, RM187.18 million, or 71.31 per cent, was channelled to the poor and needy, who are among those most deserving of our attention.

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“The breakdown of zakat distribution shows that RM22.85 million (8.7 per cent) was allocated to the needy (asnaf al-masakin), while RM164.34 million (62.61 per cent) was distributed to the poor (asnaf al-fuqara’),” he said at the second corporate zakat presentation ceremony for 2025 organised by MAIDAM here today.

He added that the total zakat collection and distribution not only reflected the trust and responsibility fulfilled by the agency but also demonstrated the generosity of Muslims in the state and the divine blessings that continue to flow through zakat institutions such as MAIDAM.

Shaikh Harun said the distribution also reflected MAIDAM’s commitment to carrying out zakat disbursement responsibly, ensuring that assistance reached those who were truly eligible and in need.

“Indeed, behind every zakat distribution - whether through economic, educational, medical or social schemes - lies the spirit of compassion and care within the ummah. This is the source of strength that continues to inspire mutual assistance among the community and reinforce the role of zakat institutions in Terengganu,” he said.

“MAIDAM will remain committed to ensuring that every sen of zakat entrusted to it is channelled with integrity, transparency and efficiency to those who are truly eligible and deserving,” he said.

At the same time, he said that recognising the need for a faster and more efficient system, MAIDAM has introduced a new zakat salary deduction method through the e-Potongan Gaji Zakat (ePGZ) form.

“In line with the current trend of digitalisation and technological advancement, all matters related to zakat salary deductions, including new applications, adjustments to deduction amounts, and termination of deductions, can now be carried out online through ePGZ,” he said.

He expressed hope that the implementation of the ePGZ system would provide greater convenience to zakat payers and further strengthen the socio-economic development of Muslims in Terengganu.

Earlier, at the event which was also attended by MAIDAM chief executive officer Associate Professor Datuk Dr Ahmad Azrin Adnan, a total of 34 companies presented their business zakat contributions amounting to RM5.86 million.

The ceremony also saw MAIDAM present awards for the highest scheduled zakat deduction to four agencies that paid zakat on employee income through scheduled salary deductions, with Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) recording the highest contribution of RM53.3 million.

This was followed by Universiti Malaysia Terengganu with RM1.29 million, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (RM1.06 million) and TM Technology Services Sdn Bhd (RM1.01 million).

At the same ceremony, state government investment arm Terengganu Incorporated Sdn Bhd (Terengganu Inc) was named the state’s recipient of the highest zakat collection agent award, with a total collection of RM8.77 million.

-- BERNAMA