GROWING ZAKAT COLLECTION STRENGTHENS BAITULMAL SARAWAK’S ROLE - ABANG JOHARI

KUCHING, Dec 20 (Bernama) -- The establishment and strengthening of Baitulmal Sarawak since 1985 have enabled the state’s zakat (tithe) collection to record consistent year-on-year growth, driven largely by increasing contributions from Islamic commercial entities, said Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said the rise in zakat collection, particularly business zakat, has allowed the state government to channel funds into strategic sectors that benefit the Muslim community, while also supporting broader social and economic development initiatives.

He added that the approach reflects the true spirit of zakat and the state government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare and well-being of the people, forming the foundation of a governance model that upholds fairness and inclusivity regardless of religious background.

“That is why we must establish a government that is fair to all, because it is our responsibility to care for both Muslim and non-Muslim communities. Sarawak is the only state with a Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR), which channels assistance to non-Muslims,” he said in his speech when officiating the Sri Aman Islamic Complex here today.

Abang Johari said the approach was guided by the Madinah Charter, which upholds the principle of justice as exemplified by the Prophet Muhammad SAW in governing a multi-racial and multi-religious society.

“As a leader, I am responsible for being fair to all. That is why the state government has channelled an allocation of RM100 million to UNIFOR, with an additional RM10 million provided this year, bringing the total to RM110 million to support the implementation of various initiatives, including in the education sector,” he said.

He added that the allocation also benefits educational institutions such as missionary and Chinese schools in Sarawak, which are attended by students from diverse backgrounds, including Muslims and Bumiputera.

-- BERNAMA