TBS targets higher zakat collection this year on back of rising awareness
MIRI: Rising awareness among the Muslim community in Sarawak has been attributed as one of the factors behind the increase in ‘zakat’ (tithe) collection over the past two years.
Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak ( TBS) general manager Datu Abang Mohd Shibli Abang Mohd Nailie said the total zakat collection in 2016 was RM70 million, rising to RM85 million last year.
“This year, TBS is targeting a zakat collection of RM95 million. The rising awareness of the Muslim community, particularly through salary deduction from various public and private employers, is one of the factors for the rise.
“Another factor is the increase in business zakat not only from the Sarawak community, but also from companies involved in Islamic banking such as ‘Takaful’ as well as large companies that have Islamic compliance business,” he told reporters after the officiating of the new Bailtulmal Miri office building by Sibuti MP Datuk Ahmad Lai Bujang, here yesterday.
Meanwhile, Abang Mohd Shibli said TBS is also aiming to help Muslims to be self-reliant through the opening of two new training academies this year, offering basic short-term technical skill courses for free to Muslims in the state.
“We are also working to help Muslims generate their own income by financing short-term skills courses. Over the past two years, 500 participants have completed courses in welding and air- conditioning fields.
“Some of these participants are able to earn between RM1,000 and RM3,000 per month through air conditioning maintenance work,” he said.
TBS currently has one training academy in Kuching, and plans to open new ones both here and in Sibu this year.