MUKAH: Sarawak’s proposal to broaden waqf to include knowledge has received a positive response from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and been referred to the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the knowledge waqf (wakaf ilmu) proposal was Sarawak’s contribution to recent national deliberations on expanding and modernising the institution of waqf.
He said the approach sought to extend waqf beyond physical assets by recognising knowledge as an instrument for advancing societal welfare and development.
“This was Sarawak’s contribution. I tried to introduce a new approach, and if it is implemented, the welfare of the Muslim community will be better protected,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the ‘Ziarah Mahabbah Majlis Islam Sarawak 1448H/2026M Central Zone’ programme at Dataran Pehin Setia Raja here today.
Abang Johari, who is also Malaysian Islamic Welfare Organisation (PERKIM) president, said he had raised the concept during an audience with Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.
He explained that waqf served as an instrument for supporting societal welfare and development through the permanent dedication of property, assets and other forms of contribution.
“At present, waqf in Malaysia is largely associated with property, whether land or buildings.
“However, its scope should be expanded to include knowledge waqf because knowledge is an instrument that can help society,” he said.
He cited agriculture as an example, saying communities needed knowledge to improve their practices, productivity and livelihoods.
Sharing such expertise with the intention of improving society, he said, exemplified how knowledge could be contributed as waqf.
Abang Johari said Sultan Nazrin subsequently proposed establishing a working group to examine an appropriate structure for administering waqf in accordance with syariah principles.
“This would allow us to expand the way we contribute knowledge and assets through syariah for the benefit of humanity,” he said.
The proposed working group formed part of three resolutions adopted at the International Waqf Da’wah Convention 2026 in Kuala Lumpur on July 27.
The other resolutions called for greater use of digital technology and comprehensive improvements to the waqf ecosystem through stronger governance, human capital development, syariah-compliant investment, innovation and strategic collaboration.
