Terengganu MAIDAM Disburses RM299 Mln In Tithes

KUALA TERENGGANU, Dec 23 (Bernama) -- The Terengganu Islamic Religion and Malay Customs Council (MAIDAM) disbursed RM299 million in tithe contributions to eight categories of asnaf (eligible tithe recipients) from January until yesterday.

MAIDAM president Datuk Shaikh Harun Shaikh Ismail said the expenditure exceeded this year's tithe collection, totalling RM231.6 million.

He said approximately 50 per cent of the tithe distribution went to the poor and needy, followed by the asnaf fisabilillah (those working for Islam or general good) category, which includes students at various educational levels.

"As of yesterday, we have collected RM231.6 million, which is still below this year's aim of RM285 million.

"However, we are confident of collecting an additional RM50 million before Dec 31, as more companies and individuals are expected to pay tithe at the last minute (end of the year)," he told reporters after a tithe presentation by KPT Peladang Sdn Bhd here today.

Meanwhile, Shaikh Harun said MAIDAM had set the 2025 tithe collection target at RM310 million, adding that it will intensify efforts to increase business tithe collections, the state's second-largest contributor, to achieve this target.

"In Terengganu, income tithe is the largest contributor, accounting for 60 per cent, followed by business contributions at 38 per cent.

"We have observed an increasing awareness among tithe payers. The transparency in distribution, showcased through MAIDAM’s social media, has also dispelled negative perceptions about tithe collection agencies," he added.

-- BERNAMA