By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Oct 13: The Sarawak government has no plans to internationalise the Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak (TBS) as the institution’s core role is to coordinate and strengthen the economic resilience of the Muslim community in the State.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said TBS, being a Sarawak-based institution, has successfully managed zakat distribution and promoted the concept of waqf (endowment) by encouraging Muslims to dedicate their assets for communal benefit.
“We are not internationalising TBS because it is an institution from Sarawak that plays a role in coordinating the economic strength of the Muslim community.
“Its main function is to channel zakat and manage waqf assets for the benefit of Muslims,” he told reporters after officiating the 14th World Zakat and Waqf Forum’s (WZWF) Annual Meeting and International Conference held at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre (HEEC) here today.
As of August 2025, TBS has successfully collected RM1.02 million in wakaf contributions through various wakaf products and properties belonging to the Sarawak Muslim community. These wakaf assets have been utilised for commercial activities, Quranic learning centres, housing for new Muslim converts, educational facilities and other initiatives that benefit the community.
Earlier, in his keynote address, Abang Johari emphasised that zakat (obligatory tax for Muslims) represents a system of equitable wealth distribution that uplifts the entire community, while wakaf/waqf (charitable endowment) extends the spirit of contribution beyond physical assets to sharing expertise and knowledge for the benefit of humankind.
“If we can create knowledge or technology that benefits mankind, it becomes a form of ‘wakaf ilmu’ (knowledge endowment). It is not only about assets, but also about sharing what we know—lillahi ta‘ala (for the sake of Allah),” he said.
When asked about the outcomes expected from the forum, Abang Johari said Sarawak will continue engaging with the WZWF secretariat to explore new ideas and opportunities for collaboration, particularly in view of the changing global economic landscape.
“For the Muslim community, there must be a spirit of sharing and recognising the opportunities available due to shifts in the global economy. When we combine our strengths, it will have a positive impact not only on Muslims but also on the wider community,” he added.
Among those present were Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Dato Setia Dr Mohd Naim Mokhtar; Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Commission and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi; Sarawak Islamic Council (MIS) president Datu Misnu Taha; Sarawak Mufti Datu Kipli Yassin; Waqf Forum (WZWF) secretary-general Datuk Dr Mohd Ghazali Md Noor; and Tabung Baitulmal Sarawak (TBS) general manager Datu Abang Mohd Shibli Abang Mohd Nailie.
— DayakDaily
