LABUAN: The Labuan Zakat Collection Centre (PPZ) has achieved an increase of 2.74% in the tithe collection, surpassing the original target by securing about RM10.79mil in the first 11 months of this year.
PPZ-Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) general manager (external operation) Fahmi Ismail said this figure not only exceeded the initial goal of RM10.50mil but also marked a 17.5% growth compared to the RM9.18mil collected during the same period last year.
"The success is a result of strategic campaigns implemented by PPZ, ensuring the community's engagement in fulfilling their religious obligations,” he said at the presentation of zakat payments at the PPZ Labuan office here on Tuesday (Dec 5).
He said among the key initiatives contributing to this success was the Year End Zakat campaign (YEZ 2023), which offers attractive prizes such as Umrah packages, tablets, laptops and smartwatches sponsored by CIMB Islamic.
He said there were also the Friday Plus campaign featuring extended hours from 7am to 8pm each Friday to facilitate tithe payments at branch counters and the Mobile Zakat Counter at Medan Selera Labuan every night and at UTC Labuan on weekends.
"To further boost contributions, PPZ is organising a Customer Together Day, scheduled from Dec 25 to 31, 2023, at the PPZ-MAIWP Labuan branch counter.
At the tithe payment presentation on Tuesday, nine corporations demonstrated their commitment to social responsibility by collectively contributing RM788,106.72 in tithe payments.
He said this collaboration between the private sector and PPZ showcases a shared commitment to community welfare and the fulfilment of religious duties.
"The positive growth in tithe collection reflects not only the effectiveness of the campaigns but also the willingness of the community and corporate entities to support charitable initiatives, reinforcing Labuan's position as a community actively engaged in fulfilling its social and religious responsibilities,” he said. – Bernama
