Answer to Written Question PT13

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📖 Reading time: 3 minutes
📊 Word count: 504 words

YANG BERHORMAT AWANG HAJI SALLEH BOSTAMAN BIN HAJI ZAINAL ABIDIN

QUESTION:

YANG BERHORMAT AWANG HAJI SALLEH BOSTAMAN BIN HAJI ZAINAL ABIDIN asks the MINISTER OF RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS to state the Ministry's steps to ensure the management of waqaf is simplified and expedited, and publicized to attract more Brunei citizens to participate in waqaf within the country. The management of waqaf is perceived as slow and needs to prioritize enhancing the efficiency of zakat management, waqaf assets, and baitulmal. This issue has led many citizens to choose to engage in waqaf abroad.

YANG BERHORMAT MINISTER OF RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS

ANSWER:

Waqaf in Brunei Darussalam is easy to implement and secure. Contributors can make contributions in the form of real estate, buildings, cash, and other assets.

The management of waqaf in Negara Brunei Darussalam falls under the jurisdiction of the Majlis Ugama Islam Brunei (MUIB) based on the provisions in the Islamic Religious Council and Kadi Courts Act, Chapter 77. With the establishment of the Department of Zakat, Waqaf, and Baitulmal Affairs (JUZWAB) which was officiated on July 19, 2023, this department is responsible for managing, monitoring, and ensuring the optimal use of waqaf assets.

According to records in the entrusted waqaf asset register, from 1989 to 2024, a total of 104 waqif (contributors) have contributed in cash, with the amount received totaling BND4,266,188.62, and 87% of the cash waqaf intent was for the construction/addition/repair of mosques, assisting certain institutions and helping those in need. Records also note that a total of 338 waqif (contributors) have contributed their assets, such as (a) Funeral Vehicles; (b) Electronic Equipment; (c) Various Equipment for religious and educational use; and (d) Waqaf fund collection projects for community welfare projects.

In this context, a bill has been drafted and discussed by the Islamic Religious Council with the hope that the country will have its own waqaf act that is more comprehensive and in line with current developments. The enforcement of this order/law aims, among others, to provide significant added value, such as:

(a) Enhancing Transparency: Introducing measures to enhance transparency in waqaf asset management, including more detailed financial reporting and regular audits.

(b) Waqaf Institution Strengthening: Strengthening institutions responsible for managing waqaf, including increasing staff capacity and skills, and opening job opportunities for Brunei citizens with knowledge and skills in waqaf, Islamic finance, investment, and so on.

(c) Asset Development: Enhancing the development and use of waqaf assets to maximize benefits to the community, including attracting investment interest from local or international entities such as the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) in high-potential projects.

(d) Community Participation: Encouraging active community participation in waqaf management, including through education and awareness about the importance of waqaf.

(e) Control and Supervision: Introducing stricter control and supervision mechanisms to ensure fair and effective waqaf management.

This is our hope, with the establishment of JUZWAB and the implementation of this law, it will streamline waqaf management in the country in a more organized and efficient manner, ensuring that contributors feel their contributions and assets entrusted to waqaf are administered and managed optimally and protected by law.