Classification and prioritization of<i>waqf</i>lands : a Selangor case

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to study the current status and development ofwaqflands in Malaysia, specifically in the state of Selangor, Malaysia and propose a new model for categorisation of itswaqflands. Previous studies onwaqflands and allocation of financial resources on these lands have been general and scanty. Design/methodology/approach: They lack the focus of categorisingwaqflands according to sectors, economic attributes and strategic locations so that it was not easy to match these lands to the kind of resources and investment models required for their development. The present research is carried out to categorisewaqflands and prioritise them according to four major sectors, namely agriculture, commercial, residential and religious Findings: The study is quantitative in nature and uses a multi criteria decision-making method, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to prioritise thewaqflands by taking inputs from the officers working in Selangor Islamic Religious Council and some other related organisations. The study concludes with recommendations and suggestions for future research. Originality/value: I have proposed a new model for the categorisation ofwaqflands. Previous studies onwaqflands and its allocation of financial resources have been general and revealing. The present research is carried out to categorisewaqflands and prioritise them according to four major sectors, namely agriculture, commercial, residential and religious.