LZS Introduces Radiuz Initiative To Encourage Zakat Payments

SHAH ALAM, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- The Selangor Zakat Board (LZS) launched the Rakan Affiliate Dakwah Kutipan Zakat (Radiuz) today to encourage more individuals to pay zakat.

Head of the Collection Division, Muhd Fikri Naim Harun said about one million residents in Selangor aged 25 and above have yet to fulfill their zakat obligations to LZS. 

He said starting in October, registered Radiuz partners will earn a one per cent commission on each zakat payment processed through their platform.

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“With only 650 staff members, it’s impossible for us to reach one million zakat payers directly, so we need Radiuz to help promote zakat awareness in the community.

“Several influencers have joined Radiuz, including Financial Faiz and PU Amin, who can inspire more people, especially the youth to participate in this initiative,” he said during the launch of the Selangor Zakat Carnival at the Shah Alam Stadium.

The carnival launch, officiated by LZS chief executive officer Mohd Sabirin Mohd Sarbini, was also attended by LZS Board of Trustees member Raja Tan Sri Arshad Raja Uda Alhaj.

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Muhd Fikri Naim said that Radiuz is open to all individuals aged 18 and above, particularly among students, with registrants being screened to ensure they are free from any criminal or corruption charges.

He explained that the screening process will also involve the Department of Syariah and Dakwah to ensure that Radiuz members do not hold beliefs or tendencies that diverge from Islamic teachings.

“As future ambassadors for LZS, Radiuz members must embody the appropriate image, conduct, and character before receiving the 'Radiuz Link' and guidance on promoting zakat using content provided by LZS,” he said.

Muhd Fikri Naim also said that during the carnival, LZS introduced the CrowdZakat initiative, a zakat model designed to classify assistance for asnaf beneficiaries, making it accessible to zakat payers online.

He added that through this initiative, zakat payers can choose the type of assistance they wish to provide via information on the LZS website before making payments based on their preferences and concerns.

“Some payers may choose to assist in areas like education or healthcare rather than to specific beneficiaries. CrowdZakat provides a platform for them to select, determine the amount and pay zakat according to their preferences.

“The aim of this initiative is to ensure the public knows where their zakat funds are distributed and to inform them of the amount needed to assist beneficiaries in Selangor,” he said.

Regarding the carnival, Muhd Fikri Naim said the two-day event, running until Sunday and held for the first time, aims to attract 10,000 visitors. It offers various activities, including over 3,000 job opportunities from 30 participating companies in the iKerjaya Carnival.

Additionally, there will be counters for beneficiary registration and assistance checks, as well as zakat assessment and payment services. Visitors will also receive discounts of up to 30 per cent on outstanding fines offered by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).

During the event, three corporate companies contributed business zakat, with GAS Malaysia Berhad donating RM900,000, while MSC Trustgate.com Sdn Bhd and Risda Agro Sdn Bhd contributing RM210,000 and RM60,000, respectively.

LZS also distributed RM1.5 million in zakat assistance to 11 recipients, supporting welfare homes, special education, medical aid, house repairs, and religious institutions, along with equipment donations.

-- BERNAMA