SIMANGGANG: Rising zakat collections in Sarawak have enabled the state to strengthen Islamic institutions while also supporting social harmony and the welfare of other religious communities.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the steady growth of the Muslim economy had led to higher zakat contributions, including zakat on income and business profits, allowing the state to reinvest in development that benefits society at large.
He said zakat is a fundamental pillar in Islam, where two and a half per cent of income and earnings is a right belonging to the community, as prescribed in Islamic teachings.
“As income grows, zakat also increases. That is why our zakat and baitulmal collections rise every year, including contributions from commercial entities that record profits.
“The growing zakat collection has made it possible for the state to invest in infrastructure, economic activities and education, including the construction of the Sarawak Islamic Complex as a centre for Islamic administration and development,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the Sarawak Islamic Complex here on Saturday.
Abang Johari said strong religious awareness among Muslims in Sarawak had reinforced confidence that fulfilling zakat obligations would not reduce one’s livelihood.
“In Islam, when zakat is given, sustenance does not diminish. As stated in the Quran, Allah will continue to grant more sustenance to His people,” he said.
He added that Sarawak’s governance was guided by fairness and compassion for all communities, regardless of religion, in line with the principles of the Medina Charter.
As such, he said Sarawak remains the only state with a dedicated unit — the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) — to channel assistance to non-Muslim religious institutions.
“This year, RM110 million has been allocated to UNIFOR, including an additional RM10 million, to support education and community development, including missionary and Chinese schools where many Muslim and Bumiputera children also study,” he said.
