<em>Waqf </em>instrument for development of abandoned agricultural land in rural areas in Malaysia

Azima Abdul Manaf ,Ahmad Dahlan Salleh ,Zaimah Ramli ,Abdul Jalil Omar ,Suraiya Ishak ,Nurul Amira Abdul Wahab

doi:10.24294/jipd11381

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Waqf instrument for development of abandoned agricultural land in rural areas in Malaysia

Azima Abdul Manaf

Ahmad Dahlan Salleh

Zaimah Ramli

Abdul Jalil Omar

Suraiya Ishak

Nurul Amira Abdul Wahab

Journal of Infrastructure Policy and Development 2026, 10(1), 11381; https://doi.org/10.24294/jipd11381

Submitted：20 Jan 2025

Accepted：10 Apr 2026

Published：15 May 2026

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Abstract

Abandoned agricultural land has become an important issue in Malaysia because it affects economic productivity, food security, social well-being, and environmental sustainability. This study explores how waqf, an Islamic charitable approach, can be used as a mechanism to manage and redevelop abandoned agricultural land. The research applies a mixed-method approach, combining document analysis and a questionnaire survey. The qualitative stage reviews academic publications, reports, and policy documents to identify key elements of the waqf framework, while the quantitative survey gathers responses from 400 small landowners across Malaysia to assess their willingness to participate in waqf-based land development. The document analysis shows that an effective waqf framework depends on three main components, namely legislation, management, and funding mechanisms. These elements can support the sustainable use of abandoned agricultural land. Survey results indicate that only 5% of landowners are willing to dedicate their land as waqf. In contrast, 74% of landowners are willing to develop their land through a waqf-based system. Based on these findings, the study proposes a waqf-based framework that focuses on land development rather than permanent land transfer. Improving public awareness and strengthening institutional management are recommended to encourage participation and support the sustainable redevelopment of abandoned agricultural land in Malaysia.

Keywords

References

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