IPOH: The zakat fitrah (personal tithe) rates for Perak have been set at RM10, RM16 and RM27 per person, says Deputy Mufti of Perak Datuk Zamri Hashim.
He said the new rates were determined based on the current market price of rice, depending on the types and grades that are commonly consumed by Muslims in Perak.
"The Fatwa Committee, in its 236th meeting on Dec 13, 2024, submitted the proposed rates for the Sultan’s approval.
"His Royal Highness granted his consent and the rates were presented and accepted by the Perak Islamic Religious Council (MAIPk) this morning," he said in his speech during the zakat fitrah (tithe) payment ceremony at Kompleks Islam Darul Ridzuan here on Thursday (Feb 27).
"The RM10 rate applies to those consuming Madani rice, super special local rice (5% broken rice and below), and imported super white rice.
"The RM16 rate applies to those consuming parboiled rice, brown rice and fragrant rice while those consuming basmati and glutinous rice would pay RM27," he added.
When asked in a press conference later, Zamri said the rates were higher than Selangor's because these were determined based on studies conducted specifically for Perak, which also considered data by the religious council with reference to the Padi and Rice Regulatory Division of the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry and National Action Council on Cost of Living (Naccol).
"Each state sets its own rates based on the consumption patterns of its residents.
"Our research found that the majority of Perak’s people consume Madani rice, super special local rice and imported super white rice," he said.
