KUALA LUMPUR – All recommendations made in the Auditor-General’s Report 2019 Series 1 regarding expenditures using zakat funds (tithes) by the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) will be implemented as soon as possible.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Seri Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri in a statement today said he would ensure that every sen of zakat money collected in the federal territories would be utilised for the benefit of eight asnaf or recipient groups as prescribed by sharia.
“I would like to emphasise, that this responsibility entrusted to me by zakat payers will be fulfilled as best as possible,” he said.
On Thursday, the Auditor-General’s Report 2019 Series 1 found irregularities involving RM14.73 million in zakat money last year for ‘asnaf fisabilillah’ (target recipient groups and intended purposes).
Based on the report, the funds were channelled to welfare agencies, and it was not done in accordance with the proper meaning of ‘asnaf fisabilillah’.
The audit recommended several measures, among them, that ‘asnaf fisabilillah’ assistance is given in accordance with definitions of priority groups, and based on the types of expenses where zakat money is allowed to be used. – Bernama, December 12, 2020
