Ipoh: Seventy per cent of funds collected through mosque donations have been proposed to be channelled towards helping those in need, as well as supporting various community and educational programmes within mosques. Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk) president Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini introduced this proposal to ensure that mosque donations directly benefit congregants, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, rather than being held as reserve funds in banks.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the proposal will be submitted to the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, for approval. Mohd Annuar emphasized the importance of using the funds collected annually to make mosques more active and capable of hosting beneficial programmes. He suggested that mosque management could assist those in need by providing food or organizing extra classes for children whose parents cannot afford tuition.
Mohd Annuar made these remarks to reporters after officiating the closing of the 2026 Perak State Mosque Congregational Committee Convention at the Casuarina Convention Centre. The event was attended by Perak Islamic Religious Department (JAIPk) director Datuk Harith Fadzilah Abdul Halim and MAIPk chief executive officer Syamsul Hazeman Md Salleh.
He further elaborated that some mosques possess savings of hundreds of thousands of ringgit yet still seek government assistance for repairs or community programmes. Mohd Annuar argued that investing in human capital development offers more value than the modest returns from banking investments. He proposed assessing mosque financial management by evaluating how funds are used to improve facilities and increase the institution's vibrancy.
While acknowledging that not all mosques would be able to comply, especially those with minimal savings, Mohd Annuar stressed the importance of considering community benefits for mosques with substantial reserves. He clarified that the approach would be implemented selectively, based on each mosque's financial position and needs.