Waqf Agencies and Tax Incentives in Malaysia

Abstract

Currently, waqf agencies are faced with financial challenges in sustaining their operations and therefore, have the imminent need for some tax incentives to alleviate operation costs as the lack of incentives. Therefore, this paper highlights the role of tax incentives in promoting the sustainability of waqf agencies in Malaysia. The case study was conducted using review of documentation, including annual waqf report and digital information on waqf practices, and interviews with respondents from two waqf agencies, i.e. Yayasan Wakaf Malaysia (YWM) and Perbadanan Wakaf Selangor (PWS) in Malaysia. This study found that in the Malaysian tax law, waqf is not entitled to receive tax incentive due to the waqf characteristics, i.e. waqf for donation which is needed to maintain the dividend or benefit can be distributed to the beneficiaries. PWS as waqf agency is not exempted from paying the tax because it is treated a profit-oriented company. YWM is exempted from paying income tax and tax relief for the donors, while for PWS, it still earns advantages in terms of tax relief for the donors, assessment tax, and quit rent. Incentives such as tax relief may serve a vital contribution in promoting the sustainability of the waqf agencies.