Seremban: The Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Council (MAINS) has set the zakat fitrah rates in the state for this year at RM7.50, RM12, and RM20.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MAINS deputy chairman Tan Sri Mohd Shahrom Nordin explained that these rates were determined after a study of rice prices, considering the grade and type most commonly consumed by the state's Muslim population. One 'gantang' is equivalent to 2.751 kg. The rates are set at RM7.50 for consumers of Super Special Local Rice (5 percent broken), RM12 for those consuming imported super rice, super fragrant, and ponni rice, and RM20 for consumers of super basmati rice.

This year, 1,200 amils (zakat collectors) appointed and accredited by MAINS will be stationed at selected mosques and suraus. All collectors will use the MyAmil Fitrah mobile application to facilitate zakat fitrah payments online, via QR Pay, or in cash, with proof of payment and automatic confirmation sent through SMS and email.

The public can pay their zakat fitrah at payment counters in supermarkets or selected locations, as well as online via the official MAINS portal, the MAINS Pay application, MyEG, TULUS App, TheNoor, the IKHLAS application, and the N9PAY application.

Mohd Shahrom stated that this year, MAINS aims to collect RM8 million in zakat fitrah, up from RM7.8 million recorded last year. In conjunction with the month of Ramadan, MAINS will distribute over RM14.8 million in zakat funds, including RM6.5 million for the basic needs of the poor, needy, and asnaf, and RM4.5 million in special assistance to mosques and suraus.