BAGAN DATUK: Mere intent will not be sufficient but rather Muslims seeking to bequeath land to trust or Wakaf should ensure the necessary legal document that go with the purpose are in order.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said ensuring the necessary documentation are in order will prevent any future complications which may arise from the development of such Wakaf lands.
He said at the moment Wakaf lands worth billions of ringgits could not be developed due to claims or disputes arising following lack of documentation, resulting in a tussle between the authorties and heir’s of the benefactor who donated the land.
“When I was a Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department in charge of Islamic Affairs, the value Wakaf land in 2009 stood at RM9 billion, which today could have appreciated by as much as 30 or 50 per cent
“When someone who wants to donate a property to a trust (Wakaf), it is subject to the law, we have the National Land Code and Baitulmal with its Islamic law.
So, things involving legal aspects such as land donated for wakaf purpose could not be done with mere intent alone. Instead it needs to be documented "he said in this speech at a gathering with the local community, here, today.
Zahid, who is also Bagan Datuk MP, said the government wanted the wakaf land issue to be resolved.
This is too ensure that Muslims could benefit from the wishes of the benefactors who bequethed the land.
He said if the existing wakaf lands were not developed, then it would be a loss to the Muslims and it would would end up becoming marely an idle land.
Earlier, Zahid visited Sekolah Agama Rakyat (SAR) Al-Ridzuan at Parit 19, Hutan Melintang.
On his arrival, he was welcomed by the school’s 127 students, teachers and school staff and checked out its six classrooms as well as its cmpund and surrounding environment.