Yearly Archives: 2025

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 Lets Watch Siaran rakaman di bawah: https://youtu.be/5j3CLN-NNJk

Melaka | 8 August 2025 – In a meaningful step towards enriching community access to knowledge and fostering a culture of learning, PPZ-MAIWP, through the Akademi Zakat (AZKA-PPZ) as intermediary, has proudly served as one of the main sponsors for the Sudut Bacaan Sejahtera MADANI (MADANI Reading Corner) at Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka’s (UTeM) Adopted Village — Kampung Bukit Nibong, Ayer Molek, Melaka. This initiative is part of the Knowledge Sharing Transfer Program (KSTP), an ongoing effort by UTeM to empower local communities through education, knowledge sharing, and skills development. It aligns with the broader MADANI values of inclusivity, sustainability, and shared prosperity, while reflecting AZKA-PPZ’s mission to integrate zakat’s social development mandate into initiatives that uplift society. A Collaborative Effort with a Shared Purpose The culmination of the programme took place on 8 August 2025 with the official handover and launch of the MADANI Reading Corner, officiated by Professor Dr. Zahriladha bin Zakaria, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) of UTeM. Representing AZKA-PPZ at the ceremony were Pn. Nurul Shuhada Mamat and Pn. Nurul Izzah Azhar, who witnessed the event alongside a strong line-up of collaborators, including other sponsors, corporate partners, and community leaders. The initiative also received contributions from a wide network of partners, including the Village Development and Security Committee (JPKK) of Kampung Bukit Nibong, UTeM’s Artificial Intelligence Club, UTeM Holdings Sdn. Bhd., Sawipac Sdn. Bhd., CPS Ventures Sdn. Bhd., Pekan Ilmu Publication Sdn. Bhd., Institut Terjemahan & Buku Malaysia, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, Koperasi UTeM Berhad, Penerbit UTeM, IEEE Asia-Pacific Limited, and Access Dunia Sdn. Bhd. This multi-stakeholder collaboration underlines a key reality — that meaningful, sustainable impact is best achieved through collective effort. Beyond a Reading Corner — A Community Platform While physically located at Kampung Bukit Nibong, the Sudut Bacaan Sejahtera MADANI is designed to be far more than just a space to house books. It is envisioned as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, where members of the community — from school children to the elderly — can engage with educational resources, literacy programmes, and skill-building activities. By providing a dedicated, accessible learning space within the village, the initiative seeks to: Encourage a lifelong reading habit and love for knowledge across all age groups. Support literacy development and educational advancement for underserved communities. Create an inclusive environment for cross-generational learning. Strengthen community identity and social cohesion through shared educational activities. For AZKA-PPZ, the initiative reflects an understanding that the role of zakat institutions extends beyond monetary distribution. It includes supporting the infrastructure and opportunities that allow communities to break cycles of poverty through knowledge, skills, and empowerment. AZKA-PPZ’s Commitment to Knowledge Empowerment As the knowledge and research arm of PPZ-MAIWP, AZKA-PPZ has long championed programmes that bridge education with social finance principles. Its involvement in the MADANI Reading Corner project represents a deliberate step towards embedding the values of zakat literacy and social empowerment into tangible community development initiatives. In facilitating and sponsoring this project, AZKA-PPZ plays a dual role: Resource Provider – Supporting the physical establishment of the reading corner. Community Development Partner – Working alongside local and institutional stakeholders to ensure the space becomes an active hub of learning, not just a static collection of books. This approach mirrors AZKA-PPZ’s wider strategic direction of ensuring zakat collection is matched with impactful, sustainable programmes that benefit society in the long term. A Vision for Sustainable Impact In his officiating remarks, Professor Dr. Zahriladha bin Zakaria emphasised that the MADANI Reading Corner should not only be a symbol of academic pride but a living, breathing centre of knowledge for the local community. This sentiment echoes the vision shared by AZKA-PPZ — that true empowerment comes when educational access is continuous, inclusive, and designed to inspire. As part of the broader KSTP, literacy-based activities had already begun on 19 July 2025, laying the groundwork for the reading corner’s official launch. These early activities included information literacy workshops, skills training, and knowledge-sharing sessions aimed at preparing the community to fully utilise and take ownership of the space. Conclusion The Sudut Bacaan Sejahtera MADANI at Kampung Bukit Nibong stands as a testament to what can be achieved when institutions, corporations, and communities work together with a shared vision. For PPZ-MAIWP and AZKA-PPZ, it is a reaffirmation of their commitment to empowering communities through education, fostering a culture of lifelong learning, and ensuring that the values of zakat are lived out in ways that transform lives. It is hoped that this initiative will serve as an enduring act of amal jariah — one that continues to benefit the community, ignite curiosity, and strengthen the link between knowledge and social well-being for years to come.

On 18 July 2025, a significant milestone in zakat literacy and academic collaboration was marked with the launch of the AZKA Corner @ UiTM Johor, held at the Tun Dr. Ismail Library, UiTM Johor Segamat Campus. The initiative was made possible through a strategic collaboration between Etiqa Family Takaful Berhad and Pusat Pungutan Zakat – Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan (PPZ-MAIWP), specifically through its knowledge arm, Akademi Zakat (AZKA-PPZ). This is the 18th AZKA Corner established in institutions of higher learning across Malaysia — a strong testament to AZKA-PPZ’s commitment in building a nationwide knowledge network that connects students, academics, and communities to the essence of zakat, waqf, and Islamic social finance. Beyond a Reading Space: A Hub of Zakat Literacy and Community Growth AZKA Corner is not merely a reading area filled with books. It is a purpose-built knowledge platform that integrates Islamic values into academic life, offering curated resources, references, and guidance on zakat governance, waqf development, and ethical financial practices. For students and faculty members, it serves as both a learning catalyst and a practical bridge between theoretical knowledge and social responsibility. With the rise of interest in Islamic social finance and the growing number of Muslim professionals in the country, this initiative is timely and strategic. It reflects a future-forward vision to instil early awareness and literacy on zakat management among the younger generation — especially those pursuing professional and business-related disciplines. PPZ-MAIWP and AZKA’s Role: Driving the Mission Forward Representing PPZ-MAIWP at the event were Mr. Azlan Shaari, General Manager of Human Resources, and Dr. Muhsin Nor Paizin, Senior Manager of AZKA-PPZ — both of whom have been instrumental in steering the long-term roadmap for AZKA Corner development across higher education institutions. As part of its broader mission, PPZ-MAIWP continues to ensure that zakat is not only collected and distributed effectively, but also communicated meaningfully through educational outreach, research, and academic collaboration. The AZKA Corner project sits at the heart of this mission — transforming libraries into living classrooms for zakat knowledge. With the support of partners like Etiqa, AZKA-PPZ is further able to channel corporate zakat wakalah contributions into impactful initiatives that benefit students — particularly those from underprivileged and asnaf backgrounds — while also enriching the intellectual fabric of university campuses. A Future Built on Literacy and Trust The launch of AZKA Corner at UiTM Johor signals more than just the opening of a space — it symbolizes a shared vision between academia, zakat institutions, and corporate entities to nurture well-rounded individuals who are spiritually grounded and socially conscious. Moving forward, AZKA-PPZ aims to continue expanding this initiative across Malaysia, laying down the infrastructure for a generation that understands not only how to give, but why giving matters. To learn more about PPZ-MAIWP or to contribute zakat through its official channels, visit:🌐 www.zakat.com.my

Bangi, Selangor – For the first time ever, nearly 200 du’at and asatizah (Islamic preachers and scholars) from across Malaysia gathered at the Ijtimak Duat dan Asatizah Zakat (IjDAZ) 2025, a landmark event held in Bangi. Organised by Lembaga Zakat Selangor (LZS) in collaboration with PPZ-MAIWP and JAWHAR, this programme carried the theme “Towards Empowering Syariah Governance and Da’wah Among Zakat Officers in Malaysia.” It marked a crucial starting point in unifying efforts to strengthen the da’wah and syariah dimensions of zakat in a structured, impactful way at the national level. A National Platform for Synergy and Growth More than just a scholarly gathering, IjDAZ 2025 served as a pivotal national platform to enhance cooperation, align understandings, and build working networks among state zakat institutions. The event featured a rich agenda of strategic activities — from academic presentations and leadership forums to collaborative resolution discussions. Each component aimed to ensure that zakat institutions across Malaysia remain relevant, trusted, and truly impactful for society. Through the unwavering commitment of LZS, PPZ-MAIWP, and JAWHAR, IjDAZ is paving a new path for the future of zakat in Malaysia — one that is more unified, structured, and anchored in the blessings of the ummah. Official Launch and Leadership Support The programme was officially launched by Dato’ Selamat Paigo, Director General of the Department of Waqf, Zakat and Hajj (JAWHAR), representing the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), YB Senator Dato’ Setia Dr. Haji Mohd Na’im Haji Mokhtar. This endorsement underscores the federal government’s strong support for the development of a robust, integrated zakat ecosystem. Solid Resolutions for a Stronger Future IjDAZ 2025’s resolutions, summarised by Tn Hj Khairulazhar Samsudin, outlined a clear roadmap: Establish syariah governance by appointing Syariah Officers or setting up Syariah Units at all MAIN/AMZ. Coordinate zakat fatwas at the national level on shared interests. Set up a National Zakat Da’wah Academy to train du’at under a recognised certification by MPZN. Publish a National Zakat Da’wah Manual for states to reference in strengthening syariah governance and da’wah. Access Programme Materials To extend the benefits of this historic event, we’ve made the program materials and resources available for download. Access them here:📂 Download IjDAZ 2025 Materials You can also explore highlights and photos via our Facebook page:🔗 IjDAZ 2025 on Facebook Moving Forward We pray that this collaboration will serve as a catalyst for stronger zakat governance, more effective da’wah, and enduring unity among all stakeholders — ultimately ensuring the well-being of the ummah. May these efforts not remain mere words on a resolution paper but become a heartbeat of change, reminding us that we, as du’at and amil, are not just managing figures and distributions — we are building a civilisation where zakat is not just an obligation, but a means to uplift humanity and draw hearts closer to God.  

Gombak, 30 June 2025 – The journey to promote literacy on zakat, waqf, and Islamic social finance reached a new milestone with the official launch of the MBSB AZKA-PPZ Corner at the M. Kamal Hassan Library, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Gombak Campus. This initiative stands as a testament to the power of strategic collaboration, bringing together MBSB Bank, PPZ-MAIWP, and IIUM to create a dedicated knowledge space that is not just a reading corner, but a platform for learning, engagement, and research on the holistic values of Islamic social finance. A Vision Made Possible Through Collaboration The ceremony was officiated by YBhg. Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Osman Bakar, Rector of IIUM, accompanied by Tuan Hj Azrin bin Dato’ Hj Abdul Manan, Deputy CEO (Management) of PPZ-MAIWP, and Tuan Azmi Abd Rahim, Head of Community Affairs, MBSB Bank. The event featured welcoming remarks by Madam Yusrina Abu Bakar, Chief Librarian of Dar al-Hikmah Library, followed by an officiating speech, a launching gimmick and video presentation, plaque signing, and a group tour of the new AZKA Corner space, before concluding with lunchItinerary-Launching-MBS…. Driving Literacy and Impact — From Planning to Launch It was deeply fulfilling to witness the culmination of efforts that began back in 2024, where we worked hand in hand with the passionate library team at IIUM to bring this vision into reality. This AZKA Corner is the 16th of its kind, part of a nationwide network driven by Akademi Zakat (AZKA-PPZ) under PPZ-MAIWP, designed to spark deeper understanding and appreciation of zakat and waqf among university communities. With the strong support of MBSB Bank as a strategic partner, this initiative demonstrates how the synergy between Islamic financial institutions, zakat agencies, and academic bodies can uplift literacy and encourage proactive discussions around social finance. More Than Just a Reading Space The AZKA Corner at IIUM is intended to be a living platform — a catalyst for academic exploration, seminars, informal learning sessions, and personal reflection on how zakat and waqf contribute to economic justice and community well-being. By continuously enriching the collection with the latest publications from AZKA-PPZ and beyond, this space will serve as a valuable resource hub for students, researchers, and faculty members seeking to engage with the ethical and spiritual dimensions of Islamic finance. Looking Ahead We pray that this effort becomes a source of guidance, knowledge, and barakah — strengthening both understanding and practice of zakat in IIUM and inspiring similar initiatives across other institutions. As always, we invite everyone to fulfil their zakat obligations through PPZ-MAIWP’s official channels: simple, secure, and trusted. Together, let us continue to empower the ummah through knowledge and meaningful social contributions. 📍 Venue: M. Kamal Hassan Library, IIUM Gombak Campus🤝 In collaboration with: MBSB Bank & PPZ-MAIWP (AZKA)📅 Launch date: 30 June 2025