NEW DEVELOPMENTS ON WAQF LAWS IN MALAYSIA: ARE THEY COMPREHENSIVE?
View/ Open
Date
2017-04-04Author
MOHAMAD, NOR ASIAH
KADER, SHARIFAH ZUBAIDAH SYED ABDUL
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Five (5) states in Malaysia have introduced their own waqf laws. The other five (5) states are working on
new laws and the remaining states maintain waqf matters in the general statutes on administration of
Islamic law. The new developments which took place in the 5 states are expected and most awaited after
voluminous researches reveal that the legal framework has contributed to the slow development of waqf in
Malaysia. Using the doctrinal approach and comparative analysis method, this study reviews the latest
developments in the waqf enactments of Selangor, Perak and Terengganu and discusses how the changes in
the laws have helped to improve the slow and restricted jurisdiction (legal framework?) dealing with waqf.
The findings show that the new Enactments have addressed most of the observations from the previous
literatures especially with regards to challenges in waqf development. Observations also relate to the fast
development of waqf which moves in tandem with various other aspects of the economy and finance.
Waqf is now recognised as the third economic sector in several jurisdictions. In addition, the need to
employ Islamic finance products as vehicles for waqf development has also been recognised by the stakeholders.
Although new laws are welcomed, the awareness on the emerging new needs is vital.