Probe into Suspicious Zakat Transactions at Al-Istiqamah Mosque
Ministry of Social and Family DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the suspicious zakat cash transactions at Al-Istiqamah Mosque, where Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim inquired about their detection, the quantum involved, and safeguards for zakat accounting. Minister Masagos Zulkifli B M M responded that Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) identified the transactions through regular audits, though further details are withheld pending police investigations. He emphasized that governance requirements and standard operating procedures are regularly reviewed and supported by staff training. Consequently, Masjid Al-Istiqamah has suspended counter collections while MUIS prepares to enhance system processes following the investigation’s outcome. Additionally, the Minister encouraged zakat payers to use cashless methods to improve the system’s integrity and security.
Transcript
98 Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for Social and Family Development and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs in relation to the suspicious zakat transactions detected recently at Al-Istiqamah mosque involving cash payments made by members of the public (a) how were the suspicious transactions detected; (b) what is the number of transactions and total quantum involved; and (c) what are the steps already in place or the interim measures now being put in place to ensure the proper accounting of zakat payments in the mosque and all other zakat collection centres accepting cash payments.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: On 19 June 2023, Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) detected several suspicious transactions involving zakat payments paid in cash at Masjid Al-Istiqamah. As Police investigations are ongoing, MUIS is unable to disclose more information.
Governance requirements and standard operating procedures for handling cash and digital zakat payments are in place and regularly reviewed. MUIS’ zakat officers and supervisors are trained on how to operate the zakat collection system and on the standard operating procedures (SOPs). Regular audits are also performed to ensure adherence to proper procedures and can surface suspicious transactions, as was the case at Masjid Al-Istiqamah.
Masjid Al-Istiqamah has temporarily suspended all zakat collections over the counter. Pending the outcome of the Police investigations, MUIS will review the current SOP and implement any necessary measures to further strengthen the zakat system and processes. MUIS encourages zakat payers to go cashless, where possible.