Kota Kinabalu: Individuals, groups, associations or organisations are strictly prohibited from collecting zakat and fitrah throughout Sabah without a valid appointment or authorisation from Sabah Islamic Religious Council (Muis)Sabah State Mufti Datuk Bungsu @ Abdul Aziz Jaafar said the State Fatwa Council Muzakarah discussed the ruling on zakat collection by parties not appointed by the Sabah Government and agreed that the ruling should be gazetted by the state government.
Under the ruling, any zakat collection carried out by an amil (zakat collector), deputy amil or agent who has not been appointed by Muis in Sabah is prohibited and invalid.
“The payment of zakat to parties who have not been appointed as an amil, deputy amil or agent in Sabah is forbidden and invalid,” he said.
Any organisation or institution not appointed by Muis that collects zakat in the state commits an offence and may face action under the Zakat and Fitrah Enactment 1993 or other applicable laws.
Bungsu @ Abdul Aziz said that under Section 67 of the Sabah Zakat and Fitrah Enactment No. 6 of 1993, any party collecting zakat without authorisation may face legal action.
Upon conviction, offenders may be fined up to RM5,000, jailed for up to three years, or both.
He advised Muslims in Sabah to remain vigilant and not be easily misled by parties claiming to be zakat collection representatives or agents without valid proof of appointment.
“Ensure that the individuals or parties receiving zakat acquire an official letter of appointment or authorisation from Muis, and verify the legitimacy of those conducting the collection before making any zakat payments,” he said.
He also advised the public to avoid handing over zakat money to individuals or groups whose legitimacy is questionable, stressing that Muis would not compromise on any unauthorised zakat collection activities.
He urged all Muslims to work together to preserve the sanctity of zakat worship, safeguard the trust of the Muslim community and ensure that all zakat contributions are channelled through legitimate avenues for the benefit of eligible asnaf (recipients).