Kedah: The Kedah Zakat Board (LZNK) has announced the zakat fitrah rates for this year, offering three options at RM9, RM15, and RM23, depending on the price and grade of rice commonly consumed by Muslims in the state.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, LZNK chairman Datuk Seri Norizan Khazali explained that the rates are determined based on the weight of one Baghdad bushel, equivalent to 2.6 kilogrammes of rice. The specific rates are set at RM9 for local rice, RM15 for imported rice and similar varieties, and RM23 for basmati rice. The rates were established following the approval of His Royal Highness the Sultan of Kedah, with Muslims encouraged to pay according to their daily staple.

Norizan mentioned that the board aims to collect RM13.5 million in zakat fitrah this year, up from RM12.9 million last year. The collected funds are intended to support 27,300 asnaf, which include the poor, hardcore poor, mualaf, and fisabilillah.

To enhance participation, LZNK has set up 23 online payment channels, including the LZNK portal, e-wallets, and internet banking. Traditional methods remain available through selected amils, although digital payment methods like QR codes and the MyAmil system are being widely implemented.

LZNK chief executive officer Datuk Syeikh Zakaria Othman highlighted that the increase in zakat fitrah rates is attributed to rising prices of goods like rice. He noted that most other states have similar rates, except one that might maintain a RM7 rate for local rice.

Zakaria also shared that last year's total zakat and other revenue collections in Kedah reached RM322.86 million, surpassing the target and reflecting a 5.92 percent increase from 2024. Notably, 87.34 percent of the collections were through cashless transactions, showcasing the success of LZNK's digital initiatives.

LZNK distributed RM346.14 million to eight asnaf groups and collected RM584,302.66 in alms from 8,820 donors, further demonstrating the board's commitment to supporting the community.