Kuala lumpur: Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) depositors need not worry about their zakat obligations as they have been fulfilled in a Syariah-compliant manner, Dr. Zulkifli Hasan, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), assured today. He clarified that TH's Syariah Advisory Committee (JPS) has validated the zakat payments made on behalf of depositors before the introduction of the wakalah concept in 2019.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the National Fatwa Committee for Islamic Religious Affairs Malaysia decided on May 3, 1979, that TH, although not subject to zakat, is obliged to pay zakat on behalf of its depositors. Zulkifli emphasized that TH has consistently adhered to this decision.
Regarding zakat payments for the years 2016 to 2019, when the Wadiah Yad Damanah contract was used, Zulkifli explained that business zakat (khultah) was paid on behalf of depositors based on the pool of depositors' funds that were traded. He addressed the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) report on TH at a Special Sitting of the Dewan Rakyat, noting that recommendations about TH's zakat practices were presented to the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) Muzakarah Committee in June 2024 and subsequently endorsed by the Conference of Rulers in October 2024.
Zulkifli reassured depositors that all zakat obligations have been duly carried out by TH in accordance with Islamic law, guided by the approved Zakat Guidelines and monitored by TH's JPS, which includes Syariah and Islamic finance experts.
Additionally, TH is refining improvements to its haj management policy, particularly in haj eligibility and the waiting period. These enhancements aim to offer a clearer and more systematic haj plan, emphasizing early preparedness in line with the concept of istito'ah, or ability.
The special sitting served as a briefing on the RCI report concerning TH's management and operations from 2014 to 2020 and highlighted measures taken to restore the institution's financial position. The RCI was established in 2021, with its report presented to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on August 30, 2022. As of July 30, 75% of the 25 recommendations for improvement have been implemented by TH.