MAJLIS UGAMA ISLAM (Particulars of collections and distribution of Fitrah)

Inche Rahmat Bin Kenap asked the Minister for Social Affairs if he will ascertain from the Majlis Ugama Islam (a) how much Fitrah was collected in the last year of the Muslim calendar; (b) how much was distributed before Hari Raya Puasa and to how many persons: and (c) how much is the undistributed portion and what it is proposed to do with it.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Affairs (Mr Chan Chee Seng) (for the Minister for Social Affairs): Mr Speaker, Sir, the amount of fitrah collected in the last year of the Muslim calendar is $392,922.

The amount distributed before Hari Raya Puasa was $32,482 and it was distributed to 19,759 persons, including fakirs, miskins and converts. After Han Raya Puasa, a further sum of $55,433 was distributed to the same fakirs, miskins and converts, as well as to those who were registered subsequent to the first distribution. In addition, a sum of $49,589 was distributed to the amils. The total sum distributed before and after Han Raya Puasa was $137,504.

The amount left undistributed is $255,418. The Fitrah Committee of the Majlis Ugama Islam is working out a scheme to utilise this sum of money for the benefit of the Muslim community in the Republic.