Muslims in Malaysia are now more aware of their religious obligation in paying business zakat (tithe), said Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council Zakat Collection Centre (PPZ-MAIWP) chief executive officer, Mohd Rais Alias.

He said this was evident as the Federal Territories business zakat collection had been increasing each year and the centre would continue to adopt various approaches in reaching out to the target groups.

"Paying zakat will increase your wealth and blessings. So we urge those whose earnings have reached the nisab amount to come forward," he told reporters after opening a Stock, Property and Financial Investment seminar, here today.

The programme, attended by some 1,500 participants, is a continuation of last year''s seminar held in collaboration with Asri Ahmad Academy (Team AAA), Bursa Marketplace, Koperasi Remisier Bumiputra Berhad, Putrajaya Corporation and 9 Equity Wealth Creations.

Mohd Rais said the seminar was to create public awareness towards paying zakat on income and share tips on investing in Shariah-compliant stocks and real estates.

Meanwhile, Mohd Asri Ahmad from Bursa Marketplace hoped the seminar would be able to help participants in making right investment decisions, given that many Muslims in this country were still lured into fraudulent investment schemes. - BERNAMA