Johor Bahru | 12–13 August 2025 – The 11th National Zakat Muzakarah (Muzakarah Zakat Kebangsaan) marked another milestone in Malaysia’s journey of strengthening zakat governance and practice. Organized in conjunction with the 100th Anniversary of the Johor Islamic Religious Council (MAINJ), the gathering brought together prominent zakat leaders, scholars, legal experts, and practitioners of Islamic financial management from across the country.

With the theme “Evolution of Zakat Institutions: History, Challenges, and the Future,” the Muzakarah served as a vital platform to reflect on the trajectory of zakat in Malaysia — tracing its historical foundations, examining present-day realities, and exploring pathways for the future.

The opening ceremony was officiated by YB Hj Mohd Fared Hj Mohd Khalid, Chairman of the Johor State Islamic Religious Affairs Committee, who underscored the significance of zakat as both a religious obligation and a socio-economic instrument for the ummah.

Reviewing the Past, Assessing the Present, Envisioning the Future

Throughout the two-day sessions, discussions were wide-ranging and thought-provoking. Participants revisited the history of zakat administration in Malaysia, recognising the traditional roots that have shaped its development. Equally, they evaluated the current challenges facing zakat institutions, from ensuring efficient collection and distribution, to addressing questions of governance, legal frameworks, and public trust.

One important theme raised was the dual responsibility of zakat payers and recipients. Sustaining the institution of zakat requires not only efficient systems but also conscious engagement from both sides of the equation — those who contribute and those who benefit. The Muzakarah also invited participants to envision zakat governance in the era of Society 5.0, urging institutions to embrace innovation, digitalisation, and strategic transformation to remain relevant and impactful.

Presentation on Corporate Transformation of Zakat Institutions

Among the highlights of the program was the presentation by Dr. Muhsin Nor Paizin, Senior Manager of Akademi Zakat (AZKA), PPZ-MAIWP, on the topic:
“Pengkorporatan Institusi Zakat: Membentuk Sistem Pengurusan Zakat yang Profesional dan Berdaya Saing.”

The session explored how corporatization can elevate zakat institutions into professionally managed, competitive entities that uphold transparency, accountability, and innovation. Drawing from PPZ-MAIWP’s own journey, the presentation illustrated how structured governance, technological integration, and customer-focused initiatives are reshaping zakat management in Malaysia.

This reflection on corporatization was timely, complementing the Muzakarah’s broader theme of institutional evolution. It highlighted that beyond collecting and distributing zakat, institutions must also embody professionalism and adaptability to sustain their credibility and maximise their social impact.

Towards Stronger Collaboration and Impact

As the Muzakarah concluded, participants echoed the importance of inter-institutional collaboration and harmonisation. The future of zakat in Malaysia lies not only in managing funds effectively but also in nurturing trust, building scholarly and community engagement, and continually innovating in line with the challenges of modern society.

Through such dialogues, the National Zakat Muzakarah continues to serve as a beacon for collective reflection, knowledge-sharing, and reform. With contributions from diverse voices — from scholars to practitioners — the path forward for zakat institutions in Malaysia is set on firmer, more professional, and more competitive ground.

Get all the presentation slides of this program in this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1T2pWYb6HHBCu0vHv7UXqVuFrGhV2UNpm?usp=sharing

Kredit gambar @MajlisAgamaIslamJohor