PETALING JAYA: The setting of the "zakat fitrah" (personal tithe) rate based on rice grades has been decided by the Fatwa Committee and the Islamic Religious Council of the respective states, says Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar.
The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) said that this followed recent findings of imported rice mixed with local white rice.
The minister was speaking to reporters after the presentation of the Malaysia Book of Records certificate and the launch of a new product under the Ayam Pak Gembus label here Thursday (Feb 27) night.
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It was previously reported that the Biotechnology and Nanotechnology Research Centre of the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) found about 50% of the 5,000 samples of imported rice seized by the authorities were mixed with local white rice.
A check by Bernama at the portal of the Mufti of the Federal Territory's office revealed that the rate set for zakat fitrah in Malaysia was based on decisions made during the 57th National Muzakarah Committee dated June 10, 2003.
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The decision was that the amount for zakat fitrah for states in Peninsular Malaysia is according to the local price of Bernas Super Tempatan Grade A rice according to Baghdad's measurement of one gantang, which is equivalent to 2.60kg.
For states in Sabah and Sarawak, it is 2.70kg. – Bernama
