KUCHING – The Sarawak government has reaffirmed its dedication to the Sarawak Islamic Treasury (TBS), confirming it will remain a local institution dedicated to empowering the Muslim community.
State Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr. Abang Johari Openg, stated there are no plans to internationalise the body, despite its acclaimed success.
He made these comments following the opening of the 14th World Zakat and Charitable Trusts Forum (WZWF) Annual Conference and International Meeting, held at the Sarawak Smart Trade Centre.
The Premier emphasised that the TBS’s core mission is to consolidate the economic strength of Sarawak’s Muslims through efficient management of religious financial obligations.
“We will not internationalise TBS as it is a Sarawak institution,” he explained in a post-event interview. Its primary function is to serve as a conduit for zakat payments and to offer a platform for religious endowments. This approach, he noted, directly supports the community’s welfare and economic development.
Abang Johari highlighted that the TBS’s performance over the last ten years stands as a testament to Sarawak’s strategic and sustainable management of Islamic economic resources.
The institution’s model is now considered a benchmark for other regions seeking to enhance their own zakat and endowment ecosystems.
“The Sarawak Islamic Treasury Board’s approach is a success story,” he stated. He added that this domestic success provides a foundation of knowledge and experience that can be shared with other entities to help fortify the wider Islamic economy.