Penang:Women in Penang contributed a total of RM48.92 million in zakat last year, spanning five categories, underscoring their significant role in the state's zakat collection efforts.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid announced that RM39.25 million of the total was collected through zakat on income, paid by 21,002 women, which represents 51.86 percent of contributors in that category. The remaining contributions came from zakat on savings, gold, Employees Provident Fund (EPF) savings, and shares, excluding business zakat.

In detail, 2,721 women contributed RM6.86 million, accounting for 54.93 percent of all contributors in the savings category. Women also made up 71.95 percent of those paying zakat on gold, amounting to RM1.51 million. For zakat on EPF savings and shares, women contributed RM1.05 million and RM250,000, respectively. These contributions highlight the role of working women and career professionals in bolstering the state's zakat resources.

Mohamad, who also serves as Penang State Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) president, noted that MAINPP Zakat disbursed RM200.11 million to 45,831 individual and institutional recipients last year, marking a 23 percent increase from the previous year. As of September 30, this year's cumulative zakat distribution reached RM143.14 million, with RM80.63 million allocated to the asnaf fisabilillah, RM29.54 million to the poor, and RM17.45 million to the hardcore poor.

MAINPP also designated RM22.36 million for higher education scholarships this year, and RM2 million for the Mutiara Academic Excellence Programme, benefiting 7,4032 students from 109 schools within the state. Additionally, RM180,000 was allocated for 10 asnaf students to undergo an 18-month training program at the Penang Skills Development Centre in industrial automation and mechatronics.

The 2026 Professional Women's Gathering (HWPro), organized by MAINPP Zakat, serves as a platform for women from various fields to share knowledge, network, and unite in their commitment to societal advancement. During the event, a zakat wakalah contribution of a van worth RM164,000 was handed over by the National Higher Education Fund Corporation to MAINPP Zakat, with Penang PTPTN director Muhammad Muhsin Abdul Rahman presenting it to Mohamad.