Shah alam: The involvement of non-Muslim-owned companies in the ZPay digital platform is limited to providing technology infrastructure and not as zakat collection agents. In a statement today, the Selangor Zakat Board (Zakat Selangor) clarified that ZPay is the official application developed as a cashless zakat payment platform aimed at facilitating Muslims in fulfilling their obligation more efficiently and securely.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zakat Selangor appoints technology providers based on their technical expertise and system security requirements to develop and operate this digital facility. ATX Distribution Sdn Bhd has been appointed to develop and maintain the ZPay application, while GKash serves as the payment gateway integrated by ATX to process digital transactions through real-time authorisation.
Additionally, GKash provides the technical infrastructure linking the payer's banking institutions with the ZPay system but does not have any contractual appointment as a collection agent with Zakat Selangor. The responsibility for the collection and distribution of zakat is fully managed by Zakat Selangor, along with amil (zakat collector) assistants officially appointed by the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS).
Zakat payments are managed through a dedicated shariah-compliant account regulated according to Zakat Selangor's agreements and financial procedures. This ensures smooth transactions, efficient processing, and prompt distribution of remuneration to amil assistants, maintaining the integrity of the zakat fund. Transaction processing charges and payments to payment channel providers are based on system service costs under the amil management, with the full amount of zakat paid by contributors retained as zakat funds without any commission deduction.
The use of financial transaction facilities provided by payment channel providers, including non-Muslim companies, is permissible under Islamic law, following the principles of fiqh muamalat under the concept of Ijarah (service leasing). Digital payment methods do not affect the payer's intention, nor do they compromise the validity of the zakat payment, aligning with the decision of the Selangor Fatwa Committee Meeting on Oct 30, 2019, which ruled that zakat payments through digital channels such as e-wallets and QR codes are permissible under Islamic law.
Zakat Selangor emphasizes that the implementation of digital payment facilities undergoes shariah scrutiny and compliance with prevailing legal rulings. Every service innovation is implemented within the framework of Islamic law and strict shariah governance. Zakat Selangor remains committed to ensuring that all zakat collection and distribution activities are conducted transparently, with integrity, and in compliance with Islamic law and guidelines set by MAIS.