FITRAH AND FAKIR MISKIN (Particulars for 1969-71)

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Tuan Haji Mohd. Ariff Bin Suradi asked the Minister for Social Affairs the amount of Fitrah collected in 1969, 1970 and 1971 and the amount paid out to Fakir Miskin in those years by the Majlis Ugama Islam.

The Minister for Social Affairs (Inche Othman Bin Wok): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Majlis Ugama Islam collected $356,157.55 in Fitrah in 1969, $347,687.30 in 1970 and $359,386.90 in 1971. The amounts paid out to Fakir Miskin in those three years are as follows: 1969 - $83,119.00 1970 - $84,254.40 1971 - $78,252.00

Tuan Haji Mohd. Ariff Bin Suradi (Kampong Kembangan): (In Malay): Mr Speaker, Sir, according to the Monthly Digest for January, 1972, the number of Malays, from 1969 to 1972, is increasing. What is the reason for the reduction in the collection of the Fitrah?

Inche Othman Bin Wok: Mr Speaker, Sir, the Fitrah collection from 1969 to 1971 showed a slight decrease. This was mainly due to a reduction in collections from certain groups of Muslims. For example, a number of Muslim civilian workers were affected by the closure of British bases in Singapore, and numerous Malaysian army personnel also left Singapore, resulting in a reduction of Fitrah collections. This is shown in the following statistics: Centres. 1970 1971 Difference Masjid Tentera $ 4,882.80 $ 1,069.20 $ 3,813.60 K.D. Malaya 3,860.40 1,458.00 2,402.40 Masjid Naval Base 2,949.60 1,713.60 1,236.00