Penang: The Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) has announced the zakat fitrah rates for the year 1447H/2026M, categorizing them into three distinct tiers: RM10, RM15, and RM25. MAINPP president Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid outlined these new rates, which are determined based on the type of rice consumed and the financial capacity of individuals.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the rates were structured to accommodate Muslims in Penang who wish to fulfill their zakat fitrah obligations in line with their consumption of staple foods, primarily white rice. The compulsory zakat fitrah rate is set at RM10 for imported white rice, Thai white rice, or their equivalents, RM15 for parboiled rice, brown rice, or their equivalents, and RM25 for fragrant rice, glutinous rice, ponni rice, Calrose rice, basmati rice, or their equivalents.

Dr. Mohamad Abdul Hamid spoke to reporters at the Zakat Fitrah 'Amil' Accreditation Ceremony and the State Government's Ihya Ramadan Contribution Programme for 1447H/2026M, which was also attended by Zakat MAINPP CEO, Mohamad Kairi Ghazali. Dr. Mohamad, who also serves as Deputy Chief Minister I, highlighted that MAINPP has appointed 1,686 zakat fitrah 'amils' across 239 collection centers statewide.

The previous year's zakat fitrah collection amounted to RM8.8 million, surpassing the initial target of RM7.9 million. Dr. Mohamad attributed this increase to the dedication of the appointed collectors, which resulted in a rise in both collections and contributors.

Additionally, the state government has allocated RM265,000 to mosques and surau to enhance Ramadan activities this year. Zakat MAINPP has also allocated RM1 million to all mosques through the Penang Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAIPP) for tarawih prayers. Dr. Mohamad emphasized that this contribution signifies the state government's commitment to making mosques and surau central to community unity.