BY LIZAWATI MADFA
With the growth in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Lembaga Zakat Selangor (LZS) is not left behind, with benefits of the ease of the zakat collection system in the state.
Moving forward, LZS proves smart with the use of social media, the latest gadgets and a wide range of advanced applications which are user-friendly.
With this initiative, procedures for both the asnaf and contributors of zakat is made easier and faster.
Direct payments not only can be made at payment counters, but also can be done online via website www.zakatselangor.com.my/ezakatpay.
E-Zakat application was also introduced, and can be downloaded for free at ‘Google Play Store’ or ‘Apple Store’.
It includes payment facilities, access to social media, accounting information, current news and recipients’ reports.
With such facilities, it is unsurprising that the collection of zakat through agents, especially via internet banking has increased more than 20%.
Moreover, there are 18 banks and the post office which also provide a variety of online platforms for the convenience of the public.
At the same time, LZS also provided the e-employers system for employers to deduct employees’ salaries for zakat, which went online and offered payments not utilising cheques.
This system has been acknowledged as easier compared to manual procedures like preparing listings and cheques.
In addition, monthly zakat contributors no longer need to fill in the Salary Deduction form.
Instead, they can take advantage of e-SPG by only filling up the information required in www.zakatselangor.com.my/espg and everything is completed.
Recently, LZS launched the ‘Cashless ATM’ in four branches, namely LZS Headquarters Shah Alam, Kajang, Bandar Baru Bangi and Petaling Jaya.
With this new service, zakat contributors no longer need to carry lots of cash or face crowded queues.
Instead, they need only to have their debit card, fill in the information required, follow further instructions and the payment of zakat is completed, easy as ABC.
So, for the ease of zakat contributors in Selangor, all are encouraged to take part in this initiative and service provided by LZS.
Moreover, beginning 2017, LZS will not issue or send zakat payment statements.
This is because all matters related to statements or update of personal information can only be made online.
Contributors are encouraged to register with the electronic zakat system (e-Zakat Online) at ezo.zakatselangor.com.my.
Indeed, every effort by LZS to utilize information technology coincides with the Selangor Fatwa which was gazetted on May 9, 2002; that it is a MUST if zakat transactions are carried out using the online medium.
LZS explores ICT to ease zakat facilities
