Kuala lumpur: Penang's zakat fitrah collection increased to RM10.32 million this year from RM8.89 million in 2025, reflecting continued public confidence in the state's zakat management.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) deputy president Prof Emeritus Datuk Abd Aziz Tajuddin stated that the collection surpassed the initial target of RM10.2 million by RM116,313 or 1.14 per cent, while recording an increase of RM1.43 million or 16.09 per cent compared with last year.
The achievement was encouraging, following a 21.12 per cent growth in zakat fitrah collection recorded in 2025, with the positive momentum sustained for two consecutive years. "It shows that public confidence in zakat management in the state remains strong," he said at the Zakat Fitrah Amil Award Ceremony 1447H/2026M at PICCA@Butterworth Arena.
Over the past five years, Penang's zakat fitrah collection increased by RM3.73 million or 56.63 per cent, rising from RM6.59 million in 2022 to RM10.32 million this year. Abd Aziz noted that collections through the Smart Amil platform and online channels also rose to RM2.12 million this year from RM877,098.08 in 2025.
"Digital collection increased by RM1.24 million or 141.79 per cent, contributing 20.56 per cent of total zakat fitrah collection compared with 9.87 per cent last year," he said. The increase reflected greater public acceptance of digital payment methods, which are fast, convenient, and secure, while technology complemented rather than replaced the role of amil.
A total of 1,686 zakat fitrah amil were appointed for 1447H, involving 239 kariah across Penang, including the State Mosque, district mosques, kariah mosques, and designated collection centres. Meanwhile, Zakat MAINPP chief executive officer Mohamad Khairi Ghazali said RM9.83 million was distributed during Ramadan and ahead of Hari Raya this year to 14,126 asnaf through the Nur Ramadan Zakat Distribution Programme.
A total of 7,539 poor and needy asnaf received Hari Raya contributions, while 235 patients at the Zakat Haemodialysis Centre were given Aidilfitri contributions. In addition, 75 MAINPP Inapan Kasih Sayang students received clothing and duit raya, while 58 zakat fitrah amil were recognised with awards for their services during the previous Ramadan.