Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid has denied allegations that RM100,000 in zakat funds was used to finance a state government delegation's visit to Egypt in 2025, saying the expenditure was covered by the Penang Islamic Religious Council's (MAINPP) administrative fund.
Mohamad said no zakat funds intended for distribution to asnaf, the poor or waqf purposes were used to finance the visit, which was led by then-Penang governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak.
He clarified that the funding came from MAINPP's Administrative Fund under its 2025 budget, adding that the council had never received the RM100,000 zakat cheque allegedly linked to the trip.
He said MAINPP had also never received an application from the delegation or related parties to obtain a zakat cheque, dismissing the allegations as unfounded.
The clarification was made when he wound up the debate on the Supply Bill and the 2027 Development Expenditure Estimates at the Penang State Legislative Assembly on Thursday (Nov 5).
He was responding to Penaga assemblyman Mohd Yusni Mat Piah, who raised concerns over alleged financial irregularities involving the cheque during the state budget debate.
Penang PAS had previously alleged that RM100,000 in zakat funds was used to finance the delegation's visit, claiming that the money was deposited into an officer's personal bank account while the delegation was in Egypt.
Addressing the allegation involving the personal account, Mohamad explained that the RM100,000 was an advance given to a senior officer accompanying the delegation to cover contingency expenses.
He said MAINPP secretary Rosidi Hussain had cashed the money at Maybank's Komtar branch before converting it into US dollars for the delegation's use, following cash-flow difficulties faced by the appointed travel agency after the delegation arrived in Egypt.
Mohamad also defended the visit by highlighting its outcomes, including a credit transfer arrangement, known as Mu'adalah, between the Penang International Islamic Technology College (KITAB) and Al-Azhar University.
Other developments included the provision of a new hostel for Penang students in Egypt and the establishment of the first Penang Islamic Digital Library at Al-Azhar University's Faculty of Shariah.
The delegation also held meetings with Al-Azhar University's management and visited Egypt's Ministry of Awqaf, before meeting representatives from King Abdulaziz University and the Islamic University of Madinah in Saudi Arabia to strengthen cooperation in Islamic higher education.
In March, Mohamad, MAINPP and Zakat MAINPP initiated legal proceedings against individuals accused of spreading defamatory statements concerning the management of the institutions.
The first phase involved four individuals, including Mohd Yusni, who were served with letters of demand.
While the deputy chief minister has denied the use of zakat funds, questions surrounding the financial arrangements and handling of the delegation's expenses remain relevant to public accountability.
Clear financial documentation and transparent explanations are important in maintaining public confidence in the management of religious institutions and funds.