The Maldives Zakat House is intensifying efforts to enhance public awareness and streamline zakat distribution, reporting a significant rise in contributions in 2024, particularly during Ramadan.

Director General Sheikh Izzuddin Adnan attributed the increase to ongoing awareness campaigns and revealed plans to strengthen zakat-based poverty alleviation programs, helping beneficiaries become self-reliant. Investment initiatives tailored to underprivileged communities are also in development.

A Zakat Act is being finalised for parliamentary approval, aimed at formalising zakat management. Additionally, efforts to digitise services are underway, with Malaysia’s Zakat Authority agreeing to integrate its online zakat system with the Maldives’ platform free of charge.

Sheikh Izzuddin noted that 2024 recorded the highest zakat collection in Maldivian history, demonstrating the success of recent reforms.