KUCHING: Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) has presented over RM1.988 million in zakat (tithe) for its 2020 fiscal year end to Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak yesterday (Nov 19).
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg witnessed the handing over of the zakat fund by TH Sabah and Sarawak regional director Nurlaila Said to Sarawak Islamic Council president Datuk Misnu Taha at his office in Wisma Bapa Malaysia here.
According to Nurlaila, this year’s zakat presentation recorded an increase of nearly RM300,000 compared to the 2019 fiscal year end of RM1.691 million.
“TH always prioritises the economic sustainability of the ummah (Muslim community) and the payment of zakat to improve the welfare of the community and help increase the economic activities of the asnaf (a group of people entitled to receive zakat such as the destitute, Muslim converts, zakat collectors, and those who are unable to settle their debts due to unfortunate circumstances).
“In addition, TH continues to actively strengthen Islamic finance and socio-economic development of the ummah, especially in the state,” she said.
She also hoped that the payment of zakat can be utilised by Tabung BaituImal Sarawak towards the sustainability of zakat programmes designed in the state for the economic sustainability of the asnaf group.
Also present at the handing over ceremony were Tabung BaituImal Sarawak general manager Datuk Abang Mohd Shibli Abang Mohd Nailie, TH Sarawak marketing head Madehi Mahdan and Tabung BaituImal Sarawak officials.
