SINGAPORE - A mosque in Serangoon North Avenue 2 has temporarily suspended all over-the-counter zakat collections, including those in cash.

This was after the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) detected suspicious zakat – or tithe – transactions involving cash payments by members of the public at Masjid Al-Istiqamah during a regular check.

A police report has been made, the council said.

Muis said in a statement on Tuesday that members of the congregation who wish to fulfil their zakat obligations may do so digitally via the SalamSG Pay self-service kiosk at the mosque, or online via www.zakat.sg

Those who wish to fulfil their zakat obligations via cash over the counter may consider going to other mosques in the vicinity, such as Masjid Muhajirin in Toa Payoh, Masjid Al-Muttaqin in Ang Mo Kio and Masjid En-Naeem in Hougang.

The council said: “Muis wishes to reiterate that the zakat system is robust and is able to detect discrepancies, which indicate possible wrongdoings.

“Our zakat officers and supervisors undergo several training sessions to be fully equipped with the right skills to operate the system and be familiarised with the standard operating procedures when dealing with digital and cash transactions from the public.”

Pending the outcome of the police investigation, it said it will review the current standard operating procedures and, if necessary, implement additional measures to further strengthen the zakat system and processes.