Kota Kinabalu: The zakat fitrah (obligatory alms) rate for this year’s Ramadan Month in Sabah remains the same as last year’s, at RM7.50.
Announcing this Tuesday, Sabah Islamic Religious Council (Muis) President Datuk Seri Yahya Hussin said the rate was based on the measurement of one bushel of Baghdad or equivalent to 2.7kg of rice consumed by the majority of the population in Sabah.
He said Muis has appointed 2,050 amil (zakat collectors).
To facilitate Muslims who prefer cashless payment, Yahya said Muis has taken the initiative to introduce a QR Pay system by Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd for zakat fitrah payments, in addition to cash and online payments.
“This initiative, the first for zakat fitrah payments in Sabah, also receives business zakat payments from Bank Islam,” he said after launching the QR Code.
Also present were Sabah Mufti Datuk Bongsu @ Aziz Jaafar, Muis Deputy President Datuk Malai Ali bin Malai Ahmad, United Sabah Islamic Organisation (Usia) Chief Datuk Sapawi Ahmad, Muis Secretary Ramlan Ag Ali, Sabah Islamic Affairs Department (Jheains) Director Datuk Jumain Abd Ghani and Perbadanan Baitumal Negeri Sabah Chairman Datuk Dr Omar Raisul As-Salam Syah bin Datuk Sulaiman.
This year, Yahya said, the Muis Zakat and Fitrah Division is targeting to collect RM155 million.
“The collection of zakat fitrah is expected to be RM12.6 million, while the collection of zakat on wealth/property is expected to be RM142.4 million,” he said.
Yahya said the total zakat collection for 2024 amounted to RM135,453,360.65, consisting of RM12,095,323.50 in zakat fitrah and RM122,358,037.15 in property/wealth Zakat.
“Last year, the Muis Zakat and Fitrah Division distributed RM147,206,600.38 to 114,044 asnaf (eligible recipients), while the surplus that was not distributed by the end of last year has begun to be allocated at the start of this year.
“For this year’s Ramadan, Muis has allocated RM19.6 million, with RM18 million to be distributed to 55,000 asnaf, including the poor, needy and Muslim converts, while RM1.6 million is allocated as allowances for the amil,” he said.
Yahya said Muis would ensure all zakat management follows established regulations to ensure the distribution reaches the targeted and intended recipients.
“In a democratic country, we cannot avoid criticisms and accusations, but Muis will always perform its duties responsibly and in accordance with procedures.
“I frequently remind and advise Muis officers and staff, especially those involved in zakat collections and distributions, to uphold their responsibilities with integrity.
“There may be claims that certain recipients are not eligible, but we follow strict procedures, regulations and criteria to ensure that zakat is given to those who are truly entitled to receive it,” he said.
