Shah alam: The Selangor Zakat Board (Zakat Selangor) today launched the Muzakki Zakat Selangor Recognition Initiative (IKTIRAF), Malaysia's first official certification to recognise companies and organisations that consistently fulfil their business zakat obligations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zakat Selangor's chief executive officer Mohd Khaidzir Shahari stated that the initiative aims to increase awareness among companies on fulfilling their business zakat obligations. It also seeks to encourage more corporate entities to incorporate the third pillar of Islam into their governance and social responsibility practices.

Under IKTIRAF, eligible companies will receive an e-Certificate and e-Label with a unique serial number. These can be displayed on products, premises, and promotional materials, while the public can verify the status of participating companies through a QR code provided. "When companies pay zakat, we recognise them through the IKTIRAF logo. It is similar to halal certification. When the public sees a product with the IKTIRAF logo, they know the company pays business zakat," Mohd Khaidzir explained at the Gemerlapan Rakan Strategik Zakat Selangor (GRASIAZ) 2026 event.

Also present at the event was Zakat Selangor chairman Tan Sri Syed Anwar Jamalullail. Mohd Khaidzir noted that Zakat Selangor aims to recognise about 1,000 existing business zakat payers in the first year of the initiative. The focus, however, is on raising awareness among companies about their zakat obligations rather than on participation numbers. "We cannot rush this because zakat cannot be implemented through enforcement. We need to engage with shareholders and boards of directors to create understanding so that companies pay zakat consistently, not just once," he added.

Earlier, Zakat Selangor presented IKTIRAF plaques to eligible companies and organisations under the Business Zakat and Salary Deduction Scheme categories in recognition of their contributions towards strengthening the zakat ecosystem in Selangor.