In Budget 2021, Putrajaya allocates RM1.4b for Islamic affairs under PM’s Dept
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 ― The government will allocate RM1.4 billion to the Prime Minister's Department for the development and management of Islamic affairs next year, Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz announced today.
The federal agency regulating Islamic affairs, the Islamic Development Department Malaysia (Jakim) falls under the department, which is led by minister in charge of religious affairs Datuk Zulkifli Mohamad.
In his Budget 2021 speech, Tengku Zafrul also said the government has agreed to raise the monthly allowance for 4,000 takmir teachers nationwide from RM800 to RM900.
“In addition, I am pleased to announce a one-off payment of RM500 to imams, takmir teachers, Quran and Fardu Ain teachers; bilal, noja, merbut, and siak,” he said, referring to mosque officials and committee members.
He said the special assistance is expected to benefit almost 70,000 people.
Separately, Tengku Zafrul said the government will also enhance the management of endowment (wakaf) through collaboration between Yayasan Wakaf Malaysia with federal government agencies, government-linked companies, and government-linked investment companies.
“A National Wakaf Masterplan will be created to ensure a more efficient endowment management to maximise the mobilisation of future endowment assets.
“In addition, Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) through Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad or ASNB will introduce wakaf services to all ASNB unit trust holders.
“Under this service, unit holders can endow some of their units into ASNB wakaf fund and be eligible for an income tax deduction,” he said, adding that returns from the wakaf fund will be channelled to wakaf projects of national interest that will be identified by PNB.
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