SHAH ALAM, July 10 — The 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 executive councillor for Islamic affairs and innovation culture Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah said the recognition will also help strengthen the socioeconomic development of the ummah through zakat distribution to the education and healthcare sectors, economic development, entrepreneurship, skills training, and asnaf empowerment.
“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. This is the cycle that the state government seeks to strengthen,” he told Bernama.
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 zakat-paying businesses in Selangor.
On Tuesday (July 7), the Selangor Zakat Board launched IKTIRAF, Malaysia’s first official certification of its kind to recognise companies and organisations that consistently fulfil their business zakat obligations.
Its chief executive officer Mohd Khaidzir Shahari said the initiative aims to raise awareness among companies on fulfilling business zakat obligations, while encouraging more corporate entities to make the third pillar of Islam part of their governance culture and social responsibility.
Eligible companies will 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 provided QR code.
Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia's Azman Hashim International Business School chief strategy and risk officer Razli Ramli said IKTIRAF has the potential to become a benchmark for local and international companies operating in Malaysia.
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.
“This certification is a positive initiative in strengthening the culture of zakat compliance among companies and organisations. It not only recognises companies that fulfil their zakat obligations but also has the potential to serve as a model for other organisations to follow,” he said.
However, the implementation of recognition or the use of zakat-related logos should be discussed comprehensively with state zakat institutions to ensure consistency in policies, governance, certification criteria, and implementation, as zakat matters fall under state jurisdiction.
Azman added that a coordinated approach could prevent confusion among companies and consumers while strengthening the initiative's credibility.
