Kuala Lampur, March 11 -- Every year when Ramadan arrives, millions of ringgit flow into Malaysia's zakat system within a short period of time. In just a few weeks, substantial funds are collected and channelled to those in need through state zakat institutions.

In Selangor alone, Lembaga Zakat Selangor recorded zakat collections of approximately RM1.22 billion in 2024, among the highest in its history, with more than RM1.19 billion distributed to eligible recipients (asnaf). In the Federal Territories, Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan, through its Zakat Collection Centre, reported that zakat collections throughout 2025 approached RM1 billion, with more than RM1.1 billion distributed to those in need.

These figures rarely feature ...