Kuala lumpur: Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) has urged the public to continue trusting the tithe institution and let authorities investigate recent viral allegations of zakat fund misappropriation. Its director-general, Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee, clarified that the State Islamic Religious Councils are not involved in the issue, indicating that a third party is believed to have misused the funds. He emphasized the importance of relying on official investigations for any conclusions.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sirajuddin assured that state religious agencies are adhering to all procedures and guidelines. He also addressed the issue of cross-state zakat payments, noting that the Muzakarah Committee of the National Council for Malaysian Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI) has discussed and presented the matter to the Conference of Rulers, receiving royal assent that the act constitutes an offence.

Sirajuddin stated that it is now up to each state to take action against any party from another state collecting zakat within its jurisdiction. He emphasized that only authorized amil (zakat collectors) appointed by the state are qualified to collect zakat, whether it be zakat fitrah or zakat on wealth.

On the issue of halal certification, Sirajuddin mentioned that religious authorities in Melaka, in collaboration with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, have taken action against a coffee and biscuit manufacturing company whose halal certificate was revoked. He stressed that products with revoked halal certificates can no longer be marketed as halal.

He advised traders to check the halal status of their products and encouraged consumers to verify through Jakim's official portal or the Verify Halal application. Additionally, Sirajuddin highlighted today's programmes aimed at boosting community development in line with MADANI Government goals, with significant allocations for the selected MADANI adopted village and school.