Pahang: The Zakat Fitrah (personal tithe) rates in Pahang for this year have been set at RM8, RM14, and RM21, as announced by the Pahang Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MUIP).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MUIP chief executive officer Datuk Ahmad Hairi Hussain stated that these rates, determined by the Pahang Islamic Law Consultative Committee, have received the consent of the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah. The minimum rate of RM8 applies to Muslims who consume local white rice, RM14 is set for those consuming imported rice or its equivalent, and RM21 is for those who consume basmati rice or similar. All Muslims in the state can pay zakat fitrah from the beginning of Ramadan until just before the Aidilfitri prayers on the first day of Syawal.
Ahmad Hairi informed that 901 amils (tithe collectors) have been authorised to oversee the official collection of zakat fitrah and ensure a smooth process. He advised Muslims in Pahang to pay zakat fitrah only to amils accredited by MUIP. Furthermore, he warned that unauthorised collection of zakat fitrah is an offence under Section 38 of the Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment 2013, which carries a maximum fine of RM3,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
In an effort to modernise the process, MUIP has introduced the EZ Amil application to facilitate systematic, efficient, and transparent zakat fitrah payments. The application allows for payments in cash or through cashless methods, including QR Pay, FPX, debit and credit cards, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. Additionally, online zakat fitrah payment facilities are available through the official MUIP website and self-service kiosks, providing greater flexibility for the community.
Ahmad Hairi also mentioned that MUIP has established a strategic partnership with Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad for QR code integration to ensure the smooth operation of the digital payment system. In conjunction with Ramadan, MUIP is set to distribute assistance amounting to RM18.28 million to 34,415 recipients under various welfare aid programmes.