Zahid: Back ‘wakaf’ land with documentation
BAGAN DATUK: Muslims seeking to bequeath land to a trust or wakaf should ensure that necessary legal documents are in order.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said ensuring the necessary documentation would prevent any future complications which might arise from the development of wakaf land.
He said at the moment, wakaf land worth billions of ringgit could not be developed due to claims or disputes arising from lack of documentation, resulting in a tussle between the authorities and heirs of the benefactor who donated the land.
“When I was a minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of Islamic Affairs, the value of wakaf land in 2009 stood at RM9 billion, which today could have appreciated by as much as 30 or 50 per cent
“When someone who wants to donate a property to a trust (wakaf), it is subject to the law. We have the National Land Code and Baitulmal with its Islamic law.
“So, things involving legal aspects, such as land donated for wakaf, cannot be done with mere intent alone.
“Instead, it needs to be documented,” he said at a gathering with the local community here yesterday.
Zahid, who is also Bagan Datuk member of parliament, said the government wanted the wakaf land issue to be resolved.
This is to ensure that Muslims could benefit from the wishes of the benefactors who bequeathed the land.
He said if the existing wakaf land were not developed, then it would be a loss to Muslims.
Earlier, Zahid visited SAR AlRidzuan in Parit 19, Hutan Melintang.
He was welcomed by the school’s 127 students, teachers and school staff and visited the school’s six classrooms, as well as its compound and surrounding environment.