By Amin Ridzuan Ishak
SHAH ALAM, Dec 17 — The Selangor Zakat Board (LZS) expects the zakat collection to reach RM1 billion, surpassing the initial RM970 million target for 2021.
Its chief executive officer Saipolyazan M Yusop said the higher collection, which is equivalent to the spending allocation from the board, means LZS hopes it can serve more asnaf groups (eligible tithe recipients).
He said the number of zakat recipients and asnaf groups have increased due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“As it stands, LZS is optimistic that we can exceed last year’s collection of RM913 million, as well as the initial target of RM970 million because our zakat spending requirements totals up to RM1 billion,” he said on the Selamat Pagi Malaysia programme on RTM earlier today.
Saipolyazan added that RM200 million has been distributed to asnaf for their monthly payments, food assistance for 14,000 households, rental payment for 12,000 asnaf, a RM32.6 million allocation to 66,000 students, as well as tahfiz school’s finances.
The effort to intensify the collection was done through the My2.5 awareness campaign, aiming to increase the awareness of zakat payment and distribution to those in need.
“The campaign carries the message that each zakat payment may be small in amount, but means the world to the recipients.
“LZS’ payment counter is also open everyday in December, with operations extended to 8pm from December 29 to 31,” he said.
Zakat payment can also be made online at https://fpx.zakatselangor.com.my
