Sultan Nazrin launches Zapar to strengthen Perak's zakat system
IPOH: The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, today launched Zakat Perak Al Ridzuan (Zapar), a wholly owned subsidiary under the Perak Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIPk), designed to elevate the state's zakat operations.
Sultan Nazrin said the formation of Zapar marks a significant step in MAIPk's strategic transformation, in response to increasing zakat collection trends and the growing responsibilities associated with its management.
"With zakat collections on the rise, it is both timely and necessary for MAIPk to embark on a bold transformation—reorganising its structure and fostering a more dynamic workplace culture.
"At its 227th meeting on Jan 12, 2024, MAIPk resolved to enhance its zakat operations by establishing a wholly owned subsidiary. We have graciously consented to this proposal.
"The establishment of Zapar is a strategic initiative designed to enhance efficiency, transparency and accountability within the organisation — a dynamic step forward in delivering a more responsive and higher-calibre zakat collection service to contributors and the community," he said in his speech today.
Also present were Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad and MAIPk president Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini.
Sultan Nazrin added that Zapar is expected to bring significant benefits to both the asnaf (zakat recipients) and the muzakki (zakat payers).
"By emphasising effective, structured and digitally driven governance, Zapar will enable this Islamic institution to thrive in a contemporary landscape. With its digital platform, zakat payments can now be made swiftly and conveniently.
"Furthermore, technology helps streamline the distribution process, ensuring that aid reaches the right recipients more quickly, supported by accurate and well-documented data," he said.
He said Islam is not a religion that focuses solely on a person's relationship with Allah; it also guides and shapes how people connect and engage with one another.
"It is a faith that inspires progress and growth — not only in spiritual matters but in material aspects of life as well. Islam advocates the courage to embrace change and transformation.
"Hijrah, or migration, is not a one-time event; it is a lifelong journey — a willingness to move forward and continually improve ourselves.
Those who resist or fear change risk being left behind.
"Therefore, Islamic institutions must be dynamic and adaptable, keeping pace with the digital era and technological progress. That way, they will remain relevant, forward-looking and far from stagnant or outdated," he said.
Sultan Nazrin also acknowledged the strong collaboration and commitment of all parties involved in the establishment of Zapar, and expressed his appreciation to those who played a key role in realising the initiative.
Meanwhile, MAIPk chief executive officer Syamsul Hazeman Md Salleh said Zapar would become the main platform for Muslims, companies and corporate institutions to fulfil their responsibility of paying zakat and to promote the culture of cash wakaf.
"This approach is expected to significantly boost zakat collection and expand its benefits to the eligible asnaf (recipients).
"Zapar will manage all matters related to zakat collection, while the distribution of zakat will continue to be fully handled by MAIPk," he said in a statement.
Zapar board members are Prof Datuk Dr Ansary Ahmed (chairman), Prof Dr Mohamed Fairooz Abdul Khir, Syamsul Hazeman Md Salleh, Wan Maizura Wan Zahari, Ahmad Fauwaz Fadzil, Dr Roszy Non, and Abdul Khudus Mohd Naaim.
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