It is 'sinful' to give zakat (tithe) directly to their beneficiaries, said Federal Territories Zakat Council (PPZ-MAIWP) chief Che Mat Che Ali.

He said Muslims should adhere to government rulings, and the ruling was for tithe to be collected through the appointed agencies.

"As per the 2006 Fatwa Council edict [..] it must be paid to the government but there are those who give it like this (directly) and while the tithe is valid, it is sinful to do so. Because this is the government.

"If tithe is given directly, then we will just give it to anyone [...] but with the Baitulmal distribution system only those truly deserving will get it," he told reporters in Kuala Lumpur today.

He was responding to a question on Muslims prefering to give tithe directly including to religious schools or orphanages.

"Zakat distribution must be fair. We don't want people complaining. If it goes direct, it may not be fair.

"We may be trying to gain divine rewards (through giving tithe directly) but it could also mean other deserving beneficiaries will lose out," he said.

He said this after receiving on behalf of PPZ-MAIWP zakat payments totalling RM1.68 million from 14 cooperatives for the year 2014.

Perlis mufti Asri Zainul Abidin once criticised the distribution of zakat which he said did not reach those most in need of it.