KUALA TERENGGANU: The Terengganu Islamic Religion and Malay Customs Council disbursed RM299mil in tithe contributions to eight categories of asnaf (eligible tithe recipients) from January until Sunday (Dec 22).
Council president Datuk Shaikh Harun Shaikh Ismail said the expenditure exceeded this year's tithe collection, totalling RM231.6 million.
He said approximately 50% of the tithe distribution went to the poor and needy, followed by the asnaf fisabilillah (those working for Islam or general good) category, which includes students at various educational levels.
"As of yesterday, we have collected RM231.6 mil, which is still below this year's aim of RM285mil. However, we are confident of collecting an additional RM50mil before Dec 31, as more companies and individuals are expected to pay their tithe at the last minute (end of the year)," he told reporters after a tithe presentation by KPT Peladang Sdn Bhd here on Monday (Dec 23)
Meanwhile, Shaikh Harun said the council had set the 2025 tithe collection target at RM310 mil, adding that it will intensify efforts to increase business tithe collections, the state's second-largest contributor, to achieve this target.
"In Terengganu, income tithe is the largest contributor, accounting for 60%, followed by business contributions at 38%. We have observed an increasing awareness among tithe payers. The transparency in distribution, showcased through the council's social media, has also dispelled negative perceptions about tithe collection agencies," he added.
