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Wakaf properties, including pre-war shophouses, will be upgraded under the new Wakaf Improvement Initiative to be carried out by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) and real estate developer Warees, reported The Straits Times.
The Singapore’s Administration of Muslim Law Act (Amla) defines wakaf as a property permanently dedicated by a Muslim for religious and charitable purposes.
To be carried out towards the end of the year, the initiative will see upgrading works like roof repair and painting jobs.
“We are always on the lookout for how we can maximise returns for our beneficiaries,” said Haji Abdul Razak Maricar, chief executive officer of Muis.
Notably, a record S$3.1 million will be disbursed from Muis’ rental income this year to 62 beneficiaries, including madrasahs, voluntary welfare organisations and mosques.
Of this, S$1.5 million will be allocated to 27 mosques, over S$390,000 to madrasahs and S$320,640 to 29 Muslim and voluntary welfare organisations.
Meanwhile, an expanded wakaf legal dispute resolution framework was also set up.
Wakaf trustees have used the framework since last August to resolve disputes, helping parties avoid paying high legal costs.
“It tries to ensure a more efficient administration of wakaf and, going forward, to make them more professional,” said 55-year old lawyer Roslina Baba.
“It is quite important to ensure the assets are managed to the best advantage to obtain the highest returns.”
This article was edited by Denise Djong.
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