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KUALA LUMPUR – More than RM1.5 billion has been allocated for Islamic development projects and the management of religious affairs in Budget 2023.
Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said that of this, an allocation amounting to RM1,178,704,800 – an increment of over RM54 million from the preceding year – has been set aside for the government’s Islamic agencies.
He said this in the tabling of Supply Bill 2023 in the Dewan Rakyat today.
According to the Finance Ministry’s document on the estimated federal expenditure for 2023, the biggest recipient of the funds is the Islamic Development Department (Jakim), which is given RM1.01 billion. In the previous budget, the agency had received a lower allocation of RM956.6 million.
The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) also received an increment in annual funding. The council received RM34,372,300 for 2023, compared to RM33,465,000 for this year.
Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) received less, having been given RM127,232,500 for next year, against RM127,439,000 this year.
The finance ministry's document also stated that Jakim’s main role is to empower the drafting and standardisation of Islamic laws, in addition to strengthening Islamic administration and education throughout the country.
MAIWP is responsible for fostering faith and promoting Islamic kinship, while Jawi operates to prevent misconduct under shariah law in the Federal Territories.
Allocations for the Federal Territories Mufti’s Office from 2022 to 2023 remain unchanged, with an amount totalling RM7.1 million, he added.
The mufti’s office provides consultation to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the federal government in relation to Islamic law. The office also grants fatwa (religious edicts) and issues Islamic teaching certificates. – TheVibes, October 10, 2022