SHAH ALAM, Nov 10 — The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj has expressed concern about companies, institutions, individuals, and non-governmental organisations that collect or manage Muslims' assets without valid appointment from the authorised bodies.
Such activities, involving the collection of infak (voluntary contributions), donations, and fidyah (religious compensation), not only raises questions regarding governance but also carry the risk of the misappropriation of funds that ought to be utilised for the benefit of the Muslim community.
“I am deeply saddened that some of these parties have been involved in the misappropriation of collected public funds, using them for personal gain.
“This is truly shameful and causes great detriment to the Muslim community,” His Royal Highness decreed in a statement issued in conjunction with the 2026 Nusantara Baitulmal Convention, organised by the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) at the Concorde Hotel today.
Earlier, the Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah, who represented the Sultan, officiated the convention, with Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari also in attendance.
The Ruler noted that a significant number of entities collecting assets from the Muslim community have not been legally appointed by the relevant authorities, such as MAIS or the various state Islamic religious councils.
Consequently, the Muslim community must ensure that all such funds are channeled to the recognised authorities or to entities that have received formal authorisation from the respective state religious authorities.
“I wish to stress that in Malaysia, the state Islamic religious councils are the sole authorities and trustees for the Baitulmal (Islamic treasury/endowment fund) within their respective states.
“As the trustee for the Muslim community’s funds, MAIS must ensure that the management of Baitulmal assets is conducted transparently, efficiently, and professionally, in full compliance with Shariah law and all applicable legislation,” Sultan Sharafuddin said.
His Royal Highness added that the Baitulmal’s governance must consistently be maintained at a high standard to ensure the Muslim community’s funds are managed, distributed, grown, and utilised for its benefit.
The Sultan also called for the Baitulmal’s role to be strengthened, moving beyond its function as a mere collector of assets from the Muslim community to becoming an institution capable of generating and developing wealth for Muslims.
The 2026 Nusantara Baitulmal Convention, themed "Empowering Trusts, Developing Wealth, Prospering the Ummah," is being held in Selangor for the first time, spanning three days starting today.
The convention serves as a strategic platform, bringing together academics, policymakers, and industry practitioners to discuss developments, challenges, and opportunities in strengthening Baitulmal institutions and managing Islamic assets in the region.
It has gathered 400 participants, including presenters, from Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Singapore, and Thailand, underscoring the importance of cross-border collaboration in strengthening the Islamic asset management ecosystem.
Over the course of three days, regional experts will deliver 23 presentations covering topics such as the management of pusaka (estates/inheritance), wasiat (wills), hibah (gifts), wakaf (endowments), and zakat (obligatory alms), encompassing Syariah, legal, governance, financial, and economic perspectives.
