
LZS launches two campaigns to boost zakat collection
SHAH ALAM: Lembaga Zakat Selangor (LZS) today introduced two campaigns to ramp up zakat (tithe) collection activities using a targeted and more systematic method.
LZS Collection Division head Muhd Fikri Naim Harun said the campaigns - Jom Bantu Asnaf Setiap Bulan and Suburkan Niagamu - are among the initiatives implemented to achieve the targeted zakat collection of RM1 billion by 2030.
He said that these two campaigns offered rewards in the form of cash and holiday packages to selected zakat payers.
'Data from 2024 shows that the number of zakat payers through the Salary Deduction Scheme (SPG) is extremely positive and, as such, LZS has launched the Jom Bantu Asnaf Setiap Bulan initiative using the same concept, including direct debit.
'Through this campaign, the public stands to win the main prize of a tour package to Turkiye, in addition to three Muslim tour package prizes, nine special draws for 0.5 grammes of gold and 50 Touch 'n Go consolation prizes worth RM100,' he told reporters here.
The packages were launched at the ceremony to celebrate the strategic partners of LZS at the Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation (PKPS) here today.
As for the Suburkan Niagamu campaign, Muhd Fikri Naim said it was launched to encourage micro, small and medium enterprises in Selangor to fulfil their business zakat and, at the same time, stand a chance to win prizes worth over RM10,000.
He said the campaign offers the grand prize of an e-commerce website package and an entrepreneurship course worth RM3,500; a tablet and entrepreneurship course worth RM2,500 for second place; a software course and entrepreneurship course worth RM2,000 for third place; and a consolation prize of an entrepreneurship course worth RM500.
Further details regarding these two campaigns can be found via the website www.zakatselangor.com.my.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
Towards responsible pet breeding, sales
BETTY was fast asleep when the clatter of a food bowl stirred her from slumber. A shop worker had entered her glass enclosure, setting down water and a fresh serving of kibble. Roused by the familiar sounds, she began swishing her tail, eyes fixed on the bowl now filled with crunchy promise. With her long fur and striking blue eyes, the Ragdoll cat was once the star of the pet shop in Cyberjaya, Selangor. Two years ago, she was priced at RM3,800. Now older, the tag on the enclosure reads RM1,200. Time is slipping away. It is unclear what fate awaits if no one decides she is cute enough to take home. A worker at the pet shop, who declined to be named, said Betty's price would be reduced further in coming weeks. 'We'll probably let her go for around RM500,' she said, although she could not confirm what would happen if no one bought the cat. Betty's story is not unique. Adoption an option to help animals find a home. — Photos: Filepix and courtesy pic Pets put up for sale tend to get cheaper over time although their maintenance costs remain high. This has raised fears that these animals might be abandoned or worse, euthanised, to cut losses. Pet care proved a lucrative sector when, in 2022, it grew by 25%, according to the Economic Census 2023 conducted by Department of Statistics Malaysia. The largest contributor was pet sales, valued at RM699.4mil, followed by veterinary services (RM219.7mil) and care services (RM38.5mil). To attract shoppers, some shops and breeders even allow purchases through monthly instalments, with payments starting as low as RM80. Animal lovers and activists warn that the country could see a surge in pets – and subsequently abandonment and cruelty cases – if regulations are not tightened. There have also been concerns following reports about breeders using unethical means such as inbreeding to maximise litter output, sending more genetically defective and sickly pets into people's homes. Legal concerns Currently, commercial activities related to pets, such as selling and breeding, are governed under Animal Welfare Act 2015 (AWA) (Act 772). The Act defines breeding as production of offspring with the intention of selling them for profit. It also requires those involved to obtain a licence, according to Dr Saravanakumar Supramaniam Pillai, former Veterinary Services Department (DVS) senior deputy director. He said under AWA, the department was empowered to revoke the licence of breeders or pet shop owners for animal abuse and neglect. 'However, this is not as straightforward as it sounds because once a licence is revoked, DVS would be left in charge of the animals. 'Some quarters may suggest the department take custody of the animals, but that is not sustainable due to limited resources,' he said. Under AWA, the owner or licensee who commits an offence is liable to a fine of between RM15,000 and RM75,000, or jail for no more than two years, or both. Pet shops also require a separate licence from local authorities to operate. Previously, it was reported that Selangor was mulling imposing a ban on the sale of pets, specifically cats and dogs, at pet shops. In June 2023, then Selangor local government, public transportation and new village development committee chairman Ng Sze Han announced that the move was a bid to curb unscrupulous sales by backyard breeders to shops, and encourage the adoption of pets from shelters. However, two years on, there have been no updates from the state government, and the proposal appears to have been shelved. Dr Saravanakumar believes that in an ideal scenario, pet breeders should sell animals directly to prospective owners. Dr Saravanakumar, who is now Farm Animal Welfare, Policy and Engagement for Humane Society International senior adviser, said banning pet sales at shops could prove tricky. 'Pet sales are a major revenue source for shops and many people look to these premises to buy pedigree breeds,' he said. To get a better idea of conditions in which the animals were bred and raised, he encouraged prospective owners to buy directly from breeders. Or, they could opt for adoption and save a life. Conscientious breeding To ensure welfare and ethical practices, Selangor Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) chairman Christine Chin called on the authorities to come up with guidelines to regulate breeding. She said although AWA outlined duty of care for licensees, it was not specific enough in addressing breeding-related activities. Section 24 of AWA requires that animals be kept in appropriate environments, given proper diet, allowed to express natural behaviours and protected from pain. Chin suggested DVS collaborate with animal activists to draft more comprehensive guidelines on breeding. Her chief concern is overbreeding, where females are impregnated repeatedly at short intervals to produce as many litters as possible. Chin is calling on the authorities to come up with guidelines to regulate breeding and promote ethical practices. 'This is physically taxing on the mothers. 'To better ensure their welfare, breeding should be capped at once a year and limited to mothers between two and five years of age,' she said. Chin also raised concerns that some breeders may separate litters from their mothers prematurely to begin another breeding cycle as soon as possible. 'Animals have maternal instincts too and mothers get sad if their litters are taken away too soon,' she added. The Animal Welfare Practice Code (Pets Breeding Activities) released by DVS states that animals used for breeding must be at least 12 weeks old. It adds that kittens and puppies can be weaned at eight weeks old, by which time they can start eating solid food. Preserving lineage, gene Non-profit Malaysia Cat Club committee member Cheong Yuen Wai has been breeding cats since 2014. The club is affiliated with Internationale Feline Federation, a Europe-based registry that maintains pedigree records and cat breed standards, and regulates international cat competitions and programmes. Cheong said he followed strict, self-imposed standards to ensure animals under his care were bred ethically. He also sells them to buyers directly via his cattery without going through pet shops as intermediary. 'I only sell kittens that are four months or older. I also send my cats for medical check-ups regularly. 'Besides separating the males and females, breeding pairs are neutered once they are around seven years of age,' he said, adding that he would rehome the sterilised animals with friends and family. (From left) Cheong and his business partners Faiz Nafedz and Noramin Nordin during a cat competition in Kuala Lumpur. A regular participant in cat competitions both locally and abroad – including in Norway and France – Cheong also vets potential buyers. 'To ensure the cats will be in good hands, I interview the buyers and ask for photos of their homes,' he said. Cheong stressed that as a responsible breeder, his goal was not mass reproduction but ensuring continuation of bloodlines. 'I don't do this for profit. I do it to preserve and prevent certain valuable breeds from going extinct,' he said. A huge fan of the British Shorthair, Cheong said the popular breed came close to vanishing after World War II. 'Due to a very small gene pool, breeders had to cross-breed them with other purebreds to preserve the lineage,' he said. Cheong also bought cats from Ukraine, Russia and Poland, which came with certificates confirming their status as pedigrees. He worked with appointed agents to handle the necessary paperwork with DVS and Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services. Meanwhile, pet shop owner Nazril Abdullah said such businesses could play a role in educating the public on animal care. 'We don't just sell pets. We also give advice to buyers on types of food and toys suitable for their pets,' he said. 'To cultivate trust among customers, we only source animals from responsible breeders.' Nazril added that abandoning or euthanising unsold pets was never an option. 'We do limit the number of animals in our shop to ensure they are sold. 'So far, we have never had issues,' he added. Global approach While Malaysia does not have legislation to curb the sale of cats and dogs at pet shops, some countries, especially in Europe, have implemented bans on such sales to address animal welfare concerns. France implemented a ban on Jan 1, 2024, mandating that sales be made only through registered breeders, while Spain passed the Animal Welfare Law in 2023 with similar limitations. In 2019, the United Kingdom introduced legislation known as Lucy Law requiring prospective owners to obtain pets directly from breeders or adoption centres, while Belgium and Austria implemented a ban on selling puppies and kittens at pet shops in 2008 and 2004, respectively. In Turkiye, the sale of cats and dogs at shops has been banned since 2021 under a law that classifies these animals as living beings rather than commodities. Pet owners are required to have digital ID registration, and penalties are imposed for abuse. The law also mandates that pets be sold only through licensed breeders or designated facilities, aiming to improve animal welfare and reduce abandonment cases. Over in Singapore, the government introduced tighter guidelines for pet sales in 2014, requiring pet shop owners to ensure buyers under 16 are accompanied by an adult. Both shop owner and buyer must also complete a Pet Purchase Declaration to assess suitability, with these measures implemented to prevent impulse buying of pets. Those witnessing animal cruelty can make a report to DVS at


Borneo Post
5 hours ago
- Borneo Post
SUPP man calls on DAP leaders to fulfil promises of tackling rising cost of living
(Standing, from fifth left) Wong, Kong and Dr Soon (seated in front of Wong) pose for a photo session during the mobile service. SIBU (June 23): Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Central assistant publicity and information secretary Wong Ching Yong reminded Democratic Action Party (DAP) ministers and MPs of their obligation in tackling the rising cost of living. He said they had frequently promised to ease the people's difficulties before assuming power in the federal government but pointed out that not only had DAP failed to fulfil its pre-election promise of reducing prices, they instead contributed to price hikes. 'With the rollout of a series of new policies, particularly the expansion of the Sales and Service Tax (SST), the increase in electricity tariffs in Peninsula and changes in fuel and gas subsidies, another wave of price hikes is expected after July. 'Yet we have not seen any effective countermeasures from Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders who head key federal ministries, including DAP's deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying, whose performance has been wholly inadequate,' he told a press conference during the SUPP Dudong and Sibu Jaya mobile service at a coffee shop here yesterday. He said with these policies, businesses were expected to raise their prices—severely impacting the public, particularly the B40 group—and the worrying part was that about 97 per cent of products would be affected by the SST, according to the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers. 'This completely contradicts the federal government's claims that the new tax structure would have minimal impact on low-income groups,' he said. Wong said while Sarawak was protected from the electricity tariff hike due to Gabungan Parti Sarawak's (GPS) governance, its implementation in Peninsula would raise industrial electricity costs which would inevitably be passed on to product prices. He said the fuel subsidy adjustments would have a similar effect, as Sarawak heavily depended on goods imported from the Peninsula and the increased production and transportation costs would drive up prices in local markets. He also highlighted another controversial item included in the tax net, namely imported fruits. 'Although the federal government claims the SST targets luxury imported fruits, the actual list includes apples, oranges, pears, mangoes and dates—which are commonly consumed by the B40 group. 'We must not ignore a key point: Malaysia is highly dependent on imported fruits. Most local fruits are seasonal or lack sufficient production to meet daily market demand. Therefore, the new tax on imported fruits will inevitably lead to price hikes and affect the people's daily nutritional intake.' He said DAP and PH leaders must understand the lower a person's income, the higher the proportion of their income that goes towards paying SST. 'For example, a B40 individual earning RM1,700 a month spends more than 85 per cent of their income on basic needs such as food and transport—all of which are heavily exposed to the new tax. In other words, the supposed fiscal fairness of the new tax could end up legally exploiting vulnerable groups. 'Take the eight per cent SST on the beauty industry as another example. The federal government naively believes this won't impact low-income groups—does this mean in the eyes of DAP ministers that low-income women don't have the right to pursue beauty? Furthermore, the higher costs could create room for unlicensed operators to flourish, posing additional public safety risks,' he stressed. He also brought up the Inland Revenue Board's implementation of the Stamp Duty Audit Framework, which came into effect January 1, 2025. He said employers must ensure employment contracts are stamped and they must self-assess and pay stamp duties. 'While RM10 per contract may seem trivial, if a company has many employees and there is a lack of clarity about the policy leading to delays, the accumulated taxes and fines could become a significant financial burden, especially for private companies already struggling in a weak economy. 'Moreover, stamp duty exemption is only granted for employees earning below RM300 per month—an amount far below Malaysia's current minimum wage of RM1,700. Is this reasonable?' Also present were SUPP Dudong advisor Datuk Dr Soon Choon Teck and SUPP Sibu Jaya chairman Kong Sing Ping.


New Straits Times
19 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Tour bus group denies RM700 basic pay claim for drivers
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Tour Bus Operators Association has refuted claims that full-time tour bus drivers receive a basic salary as low as RM700 a month. Deputy president Mohd Rofik Mohd Yusoff said full-time tour bus drivers in Malaysia are paid a minimum monthly wage of RM1,700. He said drivers who are paid below the minimum wage are most likely part-time drivers who have permanent jobs elsewhere. "Most tour bus drivers in Malaysia are full-time salaried employees. If someone claims that full-time tour bus drivers earn RM700, that is incorrect. "The minimum wage, as set by the government, is RM1,700, and this is paid to full-time drivers by their companies," he told "Harian Metro". Rofik said full-time drivers often increase their earnings through additional trips, for which they are paid a 15 per cent commission by their employer. He said the issue of inconsistent income affects only part-time drivers, who are not tied to any company. "Part-time drivers might feel that their earnings are insufficient, but they have other full-time jobs. They only drive occasionally to earn some extra income." Meanwhile, he said the tour bus industry is facing a shortage of qualified, full-time drivers. "The industry is struggling to find drivers willing to work full time. That's the main issue. It's why part-time drivers exist in the first place. "Some drivers do not want to commit to a full-time position. "They prefer to drive when they feel like it and opt out when they don't. In such cases, companies are unable to take action." He advised part-time drivers to consider applying for full-time positions to enjoy benefits, such as Employees Provident Fund contributions, Social Security Organisation coverage and insurance protection. Rofik said full-time drivers continue to receive their salaries even during low-travel periods, such as Ramadan. "For drivers employed on a full-time basis, regardless of whether there are trips during the fasting month or festive seasons, they still receive their monthly salary." Yesterday, "Harian Metro" reported that some bus drivers are forced to rely on travel allowances and overtime, often sacrificing their days off to cover living expenses, with a basic salary as low as RM700 a month, or in some cases, no basic salary at all.