Methods of zakat collection in enhancing governance in Kedah (2024): a case study at Lembaga Zakat Negeri Kedah

The lack of data management and uncertainty regarding the quality level of zakat being delivered by zakat institutions will raise concerns within the community. Issues in zakat management cannot be solved merely by increasing the amount of zakat collection and distribution. There is an urgent need for innovation and a deeper understanding of the potential of zakat collection methods to meet the needs of the modern community and improve good governance. Therefore, a strategic approach is needed to plan and manage zakat collection to ensure it operates more efficiently. This study aims to examine the zakat collection methods used at Lembaga Zakat Negeri Kedah (LZNK) and how they can improve zakat governance. The study specifically investigates how zakat collection methods such as e-zakat, online banking, and counters at LZNK contribute to improving zakat governance. This research uses a qualitative approach through semi-structured interviews with seven zakat officers at LZNK and secondary document analysis. The study suggests that the success of zakat governance at LZNK is not only measured by the amount of zakat funds distributed to the recipients (asnaf), but it is also closely linked to transparent and efficient collection methods and community involvement in paying zakat. The findings show that zakat collection methods at LZNK, such as salary deductions and online systems, are highly effective in strengthening governance through transparency and accountability.