SHAH ALAM, 23 January 2025 – His Royal Highness Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, Sultan of Selangor today graced the official opening of the new headquarters of the Lembaga Zakat Selangor (LZS), named Menara Zakat Sultan Idris Shah.
The ceremony marks a significant milestone in LZS’s 30-year journey of serving and empowering the residents of Selangor, particularly the asnaf community in the state.
Menara Zakat Sultan Idris Shah provides drive-thru counters to streamline the processes of zakat collection and distribution, offering convenience to both zakat payers and recipients. In addition, self-service kiosks have been introduced at the headquarters to allow LZS customers to make zakat payments and submit assistance applications more efficiently, reducing waiting times and expediting transactions.
The new LZS headquarters is also equipped with a seminar hall to host training and courses for asnaf. This hall plays a key role in empowering the asnaf community through LZS development programs. Other facilities include a comfortable surau, parking spaces prioritizing asnaf and zakat payers, accessibility for persons with disabilities, and a resource center.
Strategically located just 150 meters from an LRT station, Menara Zakat Sultan Idris Shah ensures accessibility for asnaf and stakeholders. The facility is further supported by free shuttle bus services around Shah Alam city center, making it easier for the public to transact with LZS.
Since its establishment in 1994, LZS has grown from collecting RM16.3 million to exceeding RM1 billion in 2022, making it the first zakat institution in Malaysia to achieve this milestone. Over three decades, LZS has touched the lives of more than 350,000 zakat recipients and distributed over RM11 billion. Many asnaf have successfully risen out of poverty to become zakat payers and business owners. With the projected increase of asnaf to 157,000 families by 2030, LZS continues to implement proactive measures to strengthen and enhance its services.
In his speech, His Royal Highness Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj said, “Since the establishment of LZS, I have witnessed numerous innovations, modernization, and improvements in zakat management, from collection and distribution to asnaf development. I am proud that LZS’s management has become a model for many countries. Therefore, governance must always be improved while focusing on providing the best assistance to asnaf. Zakat is an ibadah ordained to elevate the status of Muslims. I urge the people of Selangor to continue fulfilling their zakat obligations through LZS to ensure the welfare of asnaf in Selangor is protected and preserved.”
He added, “The construction of Menara Zakat Sultan Idris Shah demonstrates LZS’s commitment to collecting and distributing zakat with dignity and integrity. I commend LZS’s unwavering dedication to improving the lives of asnaf while upholding social justice principles in Islam. As a vital contributor to the country’s economy, I encourage the people of Selangor to continue paying zakat through LZS to ensure the welfare of asnaf is safeguarded.”
At the launch, LZS Chairman, Tan Sri Syed Anwar Jamalullail said, “LZS has come a long way and is proud to be a leading zakat institution in Malaysia. Beyond financial assistance, we have implemented various initiatives to empower asnaf, including social development programs, educational advancement, and economic empowerment. With the growing needs of asnaf, we must evolve with the times. This effort drives us to review and enhance our operations to provide more effective and meaningful support for those who depend on us.”
Menara Zakat Sultan Idris Shah, strategically located in the heart of Shah Alam, is designed to serve as a one-stop center for asnaf and zakat payers. By consolidating all essential services under one roof, the new headquarters enhances operational efficiency for stakeholders.
“On average, LZS receives 100 to 120 visitors daily at our headquarters, most of whom are asnaf in need of assistance. Our goal is to create a space where they feel comfortable and secure, knowing their needs will be met promptly. The facilities at Menara Zakat Sultan Idris Shah are carefully designed to meet the needs of asnaf and zakat payers. With robust operational infrastructure, we aim to strengthen LZS’s credibility and fulfill our mandate from the people of Selangor. We hope to provide a high-quality experience for Muslims in Selangor to perform their zakat obligations,” added Tan Sri Syed Anwar Jamalullail.
Menara Zakat Sultan Idris Shah reflects LZS’s commitment to long-term planning and future readiness in improving operations and services for asnaf and zakat payers. The new headquarters is funded through LZS’s long-term savings and prudent financial management under the Amil allocation, entirely separate from zakat distribution funds.
