Sultan Nazrin Launches ZAPAR, Digital Transformation for Zakat & Waqf Management in Perak
Sultan Nazrin Launches ZAPAR, Digital Transformation for Zakat & Waqf Management in Perak
The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, officially launched Zakat Perak Al Ridzuan (ZAPAR) as the official entity for managing state zakat and cash waqf collections at the ZAPAR Centre here today.
In his royal address, the establishment of ZAPAR by the Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk) was described as a strategic initiative to enhance organizational efficiency, transparency, and accountability. "This dynamic step will ensure that zakat collection services are of higher quality and more responsive to customers and the public," said Sultan Nazrin.
His Royal Highness emphasized that the existence of ZAPAR would provide significant benefits to the asnaf (zakat recipients) and zakat payers through efficient, organized, and digital-oriented governance. "Through digital platforms, zakat collection can now be done more easily and quickly. Technological advancements also help accelerate the distribution process to be more targeted with more accurate and organized information collection," he explained.
"Now, every transaction is easily tracked by both payers and recipients, thereby increasing the transparency and integrity of this institution," Sultan Nazrin asserted at the ZAPAR Launch Ceremony, which was attended by Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and MAIPk President Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini.
Bold Transformation to Face Challenges
Facing the trend of increasing zakat collections and increasingly complex task challenges, Sultan Nazrin stressed the importance of a bold approach. "It is highly appropriate to take strategic steps, undergo migration, and reshape organizational structures and new work cultures," he said.
His Royal Highness also reminded that the proposal to establish ZAPAR was approved following the MAIPk meeting on January 12, 2024, where the council agreed to improve the zakat collection system through the establishment of a wholly-owned MAIPk subsidiary.
"Alhamdulillah, noble intentions followed by sincere efforts have been granted by the Divine. As MAIPk marks its 78th year of establishment according to the Hijri calendar, with the permission of Allah SWT, we are gathered to witness the launch of ZAPAR," said Sultan Nazrin with gratitude.
MAIPk Achievements & Factors for Zakat Increase
His Royal Highness also shared the history of MAIPk's success, which was established on October 23, 1949, as a baitulmal (treasury) to manage the assets of Muslims, particularly zakat and waqf in Perak.
"In 2004, MAIPk's zakat collection for all categories, including property and fitrah, was only RM26.3 million. Last year, that amount increased to RM253 million, recording a growth of 858% in 20 years," said Sultan Nazrin.
Six main factors contributed to this increase:
- Awareness, understanding, and appreciation of Muslims regarding the obligation of zakat.
- Increase in the income of Muslims, whether personal, business, or agricultural.
- Government incentives such as income tax rebates and business tax deductions for zakat payers.
- Introduction of the wakalah (agency) system.
- Improvements in zakat management.
- Public confidence in MAIPk.
Visit & Photo Session
Before the ceremony concluded, Sultan Nazrin toured the ZAPAR office, visited exhibition booths, signed the guest book, and performed the zakat handover and photo session.
The launch of ZAPAR marks a new era for zakat and waqf management in Perak, combining religious tradition with digital innovation to ensure more efficient and transparent services for the benefit of the ummah.
- BERNAMA
