Selangor: The Selangor state government believes that the Selangor Zakat Muzakki Recognition (IKTIRAF) can boost public confidence in companies committed to fulfilling their zakat obligations and strengthen the culture of zakat payments among organisations. State Islamic Affairs and Innovation Culture Committee chairman Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah said the recognition would also help strengthen the socioeconomic development of the ummah through zakat distribution to education and healthcare sectors, economic development, entrepreneurship, skills training, and asnaf empowerment.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Fahmi emphasized that the ultimate goal is not merely to assist those in need but to build an ecosystem that enables more asnaf to break out of the cycle of poverty, become self-reliant, and eventually become zakat payers themselves. The state government seeks to strengthen this cycle. In its initial phase, IKTIRAF aims to recognise about 1,000 companies that meet the eligibility criteria before expanding its reach to around 7,000 business zakat-paying companies in Selangor.
On Tuesday, the Selangor Zakat Board (Zakat Selangor) launched IKTIRAF, Malaysia's first official certification of its kind to recognise companies and organisations that consistently fulfil their business zakat obligations. Zakat Selangor chief executive officer Mohd Khaidzir Shahari stated that the initiative aims to raise awareness among companies on fulfilling business zakat obligations while encouraging more corporate entities to integrate the third pillar of Islam into their governance culture and social responsibility.
Eligible companies would receive an e-Certificate and e-Label with a unique serial number that can be displayed on products, premises, and promotional materials, while the public can verify a company's recognition status via the QR code provided. Meanwhile, Azman Hashim International Business School, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) chief strategy and risk officer Dr Razli Ramli noted that IKTIRAF has the potential to become a benchmark for local and international companies operating in Malaysia.
Dr Razli added that the recognition would not only add value to a company's brand but also enhance consumer trust in organisations that fulfil their social and religious responsibilities. He regarded the certification as a positive initiative in strengthening the culture of zakat compliance among companies and organisations. However, he emphasized the need for comprehensive discussions with state zakat institutions regarding the implementation of the recognition or the use of zakat-related logos to ensure consistency in terms of policies, governance, certification criteria, and implementation, given that zakat matters fall under state jurisdiction.
A coordinated approach could prevent confusion among companies and consumers while strengthening the credibility of the initiative.