PENANG is the only state in the country to adopt a shared funding model for mosque development, said Deputy Chief Minister I Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid.
Dr Mohamad, who oversees the Islamic Religious Development, Education and Higher Education, as well as Cooperative Development portfolios, said the concept enables mosque upgrading and new construction projects to be implemented based on a 60:30:10 funding ratio.
“This means 60% of the funding is provided by the Federal Government, 30% by the state government, while the remaining 10% comes from public contributions and wakaf (endowment) donations.
“This approach not only ensures that mosque development can be carried out sustainably, but also reflects the spirit of cooperation between the government and the community in strengthening and enlivening mosque institutions in the state,” said Dr Mohamad (PH–Batu Maung) during his winding-up speech at the Penang State Legislative Assembly sitting on Light Street.
Dr Mohamad is currently on special leave to perform the haj pilgrimage. His winding-up speech was delivered by Penang Rural Development, Agrotechnology, Food Security and Entrepreneurship Development Committee chairman Datuk Rashidi Zinol, who is also the Sungai Acheh assemblyman.
Touching on zakat (tithe) collection, Dr Mohamad said the state’s zakat collection performance continued to record encouraging growth.
“For 2025, total zakat collection reached RM202.48 million, an increase of 17% compared to the previous year.
“At the same time, zakat distribution also rose to RM200.11 million, marking a 23% increase from RM162.13 million recorded in 2024.
“This achievement not only reflects the community’s confidence in the zakat institution, but also plays an important role in safeguarding the welfare of the asnaf (eligible recipients) while strengthening the socio-economic development of the ummah in a more holistic manner,” he said.
On the proposed establishment of a syariah audit body, Dr Mohamad said the Zakat Penang Islamic Religious Council (Zakat MAINPP) already has a Syariah Committee in place.
“The establishment of this committee was approved during the 274th meeting of the Penang Islamic Religious Council, which was the council’s 12th meeting for 2025. The committee officially came into effect on Jan 1 this year.
“The formation of the Syariah Committee is aimed at strengthening syariah governance across Zakat MAINPP’s overall operations, policies and implementation, particularly in ensuring that zakat collection and distribution practices remain fully compliant with syariah principles.
“The committee also serves as an advisory body to the board of directors and the management of Zakat MAINPP on syariah-related matters,” he said.
He added that among the committee’s key objectives are to ensure syariah principles form the foundation of zakat collection and distribution practices, while also carrying out syariah oversight on all operations and activities of Zakat MAINPP.
“The committee is scheduled to meet four times a year.
“In terms of its functions and responsibilities, the Syariah Committee will review, support and verify Zakat MAINPP’s operational matters and activities to ensure compliance with syariah requirements.
“The committee’s membership comprises respected figures with expertise in syariah and Islamic religious administration.
“As such, the establishment of the Syariah Committee reflects Zakat MAINPP’s commitment to strengthening integrity, transparency and syariah compliance in zakat management in Penang,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal