Penang:<Text>

The Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) has denied claims circulating on social media alleging misuse of special aid and land acquisitions by Zakat Pulau Pinang (ZPP). In a statement today, MAINPP secretary Datuk Rosidi Hussain said the council will not hesitate to take legal action against anyone spreading defamatory claims against MAINPP or its president, Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, to protect Islamic institutions and the interests of the Muslim community in Penang.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Rosidi Hussain detailed that RM178,368 in special assistance was approved to settle the housing loan of a poor asnaf recipient who was facing critical health issues and had heavy family dependents. This action was in line with maqasid syariah principles, and the payments were made directly to the housing account under the name of the deceased's wife to secure the family's residence.

Rosidi emphasized that the decision regarding the sp ecial assistance was made collectively and transparently through meetings of the Zakat Housing and Facilities Committee and the MAINPP Board, which were attended by 14 members, including the state Mufti.

Regarding the land acquisition, Rosidi explained that the process began in January 2021 and underwent investigation, valuation by the Valuation and Property Services Department (JPPH), and committee scrutiny. The lots in question, 240, 264, and 265 in Mukim 3, South Seberang Perai, covered 14.6918 acres and were valued at RM9.86 million. These lots were purchased using tawaquf funds to strengthen Muslim land ownership and support asnaf development. The transaction was transparent, within market value, and complied with fatwas on tawaquf use.

Rosidi also mentioned that all facts related to the issue had been officially recorded in the Penang State Legislative Assembly (DUN) hansard through explanations by MAINPP president and Deputy Chief Minister I, Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, during the November 2025 sitting. The clarification follows claims shared by an activist last Sunday alleging misuse of zakat funds in a state.