Putrajaya: The Malaysian Waqf Foundation (YWM) has distributed RM889,493.65 to eight State Islamic Religious Councils (MAIN) for 2024 through the Malaysian Cash Waqf Fund, as part of efforts to strengthen the waqf ecosystem in the country.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the disbursement is carried out on a quarterly basis, in line with YWM’s role as the trustee of waqf funds established by the federal government. The mock cheque handover ceremony was officiated by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, who is also the chairman of YWM’s Board of Trustees, at the Putrajaya Islamic Complex.

The statement from YWM highlighted the approval of the salary deduction code for waqf contributions, which allows federal civil servants to make consistent contributions more conveniently and systematically. This initiative is supported by the government through General Circular No. 1 of 2020, detailing procedures for voluntary cash waqf contributions via salary deductions for civil servants in the Federal Territories and states.

So far, eight MAIN, including Kedah, Johor, Terengganu, Melaka, Sabah, the Federal Territories, Negeri Sembilan, and Perlis, have adopted YWM’s salary deduction code for waqf contributions. This approach facilitates consistent contributions by federal civil servants in these states, with funds directly channelled to their respective MAIN.

YWM stated that the disbursement supports the Bumiputera empowerment agenda and strengthens collaboration between federal and state agencies in promoting more impactful management and distribution of cash waqf. This cooperation is expected to contribute to national economic growth, social well-being, and the sustainability of waqf in Malaysia, aligning with the Malaysia MADANI concept introduced by the prime minister.