Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has said that a 10-storey Zakat House Building is being constructed in Hulhumale' this year.

In a message to the media last night, Minister Dr Shaheem said the building would be the first investment of zakat funds leased to the office as well as office parts.

Shaheem said, that the profits from the office parts of the building will be distributed to the beneficiaries of zakat.

The minister added strengthening the zakat system in the Maldives was a commitment of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and that is why the Zakat House was established.

He noted last year was the highest number of zakat received in the country's history, adding that rs 101 crore was received for the Zakat Fund.

Maldives Zakat House was established on December 18, 2023, to improve the zakat system. The functions of the Zakat House include making arrangements for the acceptance of zakat and issuing zakat to those who are entitled to zakat.

The government had earlier said that the zakat money was being used without much systemic considerations or policies, but it would be resolved with zakat house.