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Exploring Intention among Universiti Teknologi Mara Terengganu

Community to Donate into Education Waqf Fund

Mohd Ariff Mohd Daud

, Mohammad Syukri Jalil

, Wan Helmy Shahriman Wan Ahmad

, Akmal

Bashori

Academy of Contemporary Islamic Studies, Universiti Teknologi Mara (Uitm) Terengganu, Malaysia

Fakultas Syariah dan Hukum, Unsiq, Wonosobo, Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.120800381

Received: 10 Sep 2025; Accepted: 16 Sep 2025; Published: 16 October 2025

ABSTRACT

Studies on waqf and endowment initiatives in higher education document a transformation of traditional waqf

practices into modern funding mechanisms in Malaysia. Historical accounts note that Western academic

endowments may have drawn inspiration from waqf, while recent policy documents — such as the Malaysian

Education Blueprint 2015–2025 and the University Transformation Programme Purple Book call for

integration of waqf into state strategies for higher education financing. This study tries to explore the intention

of community of UiTM Cawangan Terengganu in Malaysia to contribute to the educational waqf (endowment)

fund. Extending Theory of Planned Behavior, six domains were tested, namely Attitude, Religiosity,

Knowledge, Trust, Subjective Norms, and Perceived Behavioral Control. This study uses Partial Least Square -

Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) method to analyse data collected from a survey involving 261

respondents. The study found Attitude, Perceived Behavioral Control and Subjective Norms as significant

factors in influencing intention of the community to contribute to the educational waqf fund. Understanding

this will potentially open new avenues in fundraising efforts by targeting the specific domains of interest.

Keyword: Waqf, Education, University, PLS-SEM, Theory of Planned Behavior

INTRODUCTION

Financial Sustainability is listed as Shift five in the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2015-2020. This to ensure

the self-sufficiency of the public universities in Malaysia and reduce the dependency on Government. In 2016,

Malaysia’s Ministry of Education has launched the University Transformation Programme Purple Book to

guide the Public Universities to engage on income generating initiatives. This book also provides suggestions

on income generation activities that can consider diversifying the sources of income.

As one of the public universities in Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Terengganu branch is a

university that always pursue excellence in academic and research activities. Not only that, UiTM Terengganu

is also active in assisting their students, as a significant number of their students come from low-income

family. In doing so, UiTM Terengganu need to source substantial financial support every year.

Currently, UiTM Terengganu has been actively involved in several fund-raising activities to generate income,

such as through the organization of academic events, leasing of facilities, and business activities via planting

and selling of honey, pineapple and chillies. However, this income generation business is quite limited, with

the university still depending substantially on government grants and subsidies. This is still far away from the

aspiration set up in the National higher Education Strategic Planning, in which one of the key agenda is for

Public Higher Education Institutes (IPTA) in Malaysia to generate their own income and be sustainable on

their own, without relying on government grants and subsidies.

With this in mind, UiTM Terengganu has identified waqf as one of the avenues that can be used to raise

funding for UiTM Terengganu. This cash fund could be used to improve facilities, student developments, and

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research activities. This fund can also be used to assist students in need. Development of an organised waqf

structure would provide opportunities for UiTM Terengganu’s community, in particular alumni, students,

lecturers, corporate bodies, private sectors, as well as surrounding communities to contribute towards the

development and wellbeing of the university.

However, the awareness and motivation to contribute towards this have not yet been deeply and widely

exposed among university community. This study is important to unravel the factors influencing UiTM

Terengganu's community intentions to contribute, which in turn can help in formulating more effective

strategies to encourage contributions to the educational waqf fund at UiTM Terengganu.

This writing focuses on the aspect of educational waqf, which is not only relevant to academic development

but also to the social needs and well-being of the community. Waqf as a social mechanism is greatly needed in

addressing the increasing challenges of educational financial resources, especially among underprivileged

students. By understanding the motivations of the community to contribute, educational institutions like UiTM

Terengganu can plan and implement more effective programs to enhance waqf contributions, thereby

supporting the sustainability of higher education in Malaysia.

The remainder of this article covers the literature on education waqf and theory of planned behaviors, followed

by a description of research methodology and an analysis of results. We conclude this paper by outlining the

major findings and their implication for policymakers.

LITERATURE REVIEW

Research on using educational waqf to fund higher education is growing in Malaysia and other Islamic

countries. Rohmana et al., (2024) highlight that educational waqf could be a lasting way to pay schools and

educational programs. They argue that the community's acceptance of educational waqf is still low. However,

help from the government and businesses is important to improve its effectiveness. On the other hand,

Mahamood & Ab Rahman (2015) pointed out that waqf could be a useful way to pay for higher education.

This study uses detailed analysis based on secondary data and shows that waqf can be a lasting financial tool

given there is good control and support from different parties.

As for Malaysia, there are a number of universities that have already established their own waqf-based

university concept in their higher education operations; these involve welfare services and academic or

professional programmes and activities. These universities are the UPM (Putra University of Malaysia), the

UKM (National University of Malaysia), the IIUM (International Islamic University of Malaysia), the UiTM

(Universiti Teknologi MARA), the UNISZA (Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin), the IUM (Islamic University of

Malaysia) and the AiU (Albukhary International University, Malaysia).

Theory of Planned Behavior

The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was proposed by Ajzen in 1985, that extends the boundary condition

of pure volitional control in the Theory of Reasoned Action. TPB argues that there are three factors that control

human behavior: behavioral beliefs; normative beliefs; and control beliefs (Ajzen, 1985). In general,

behavioral beliefs can be construed as beliefs about the potential behavioral decisions, and the assessment of

these decisions. Normative beliefs are the beliefs about normative expectations of others, and the motivation to

fulfill those expectations. Control beliefs can be interpreted as the beliefs about the presence of factors that can

affect the performance of the behavior (both in positive and negative manner), and the perceived power of

those factors (Ajzen & Fishbein, 2005). In other words, behavioral beliefs create a positive or negative attitude

towards behavior. On the other hand, normative beliefs include the perceived social pressure, whilst behavioral

intention is a result of perceived behavioral control.

In light of this, there are few studies that has been conducted using TPB to measure intention to waqf. Osman

(2014) in their study among young intelectuals in IIUM found that attitude, subjective norms, perceived

behavioral control and religiosity as significant predictors of intention. This is almost similar to Yusoff et al.,

(2017), in which they discover that attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control as significant

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factors in influencing the intention of Muslim staff at UiTM Kelantan to perform cash waqf. Further research

by Md Nor et al., (2023) discovered that attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, knowledge

and religiosity are significant factors in influencing polytechnic staffs in Malaysia to do cash waqf. On the

other hand, Abdul Samad, (2022) found that altruism and trust are significantly influenced behavioural

endowment intention. However, knowledge has no significant influence on the endowment intention among

alumni of Private Higher Education Institutions.

Based on the above discussions, this study saw the lack of research on the intention among community to

donate in an education waqf fund, in this context, UiTM Terengganu community. As the community are the

beneficiaries of the fund, exploring this is crucial in the context as they seek to investigate potential donors

intention, as well as factors that may influence their decision to donate into the education waqf fund.

Therefore, this study aims to explore how attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, trust,

religiosity and knowledge influence the intentions of the UiTM Terengganu community to donate into

education waqf fund. This study is founded on the following hypotheses:

H1: Attitude influences intention of UiTM Terengganu community to contribute to education waqf fund.

H2: Subjective norms influences intention of UiTM Terengganu community to contribute to education waqf

fund.

H3: Perceived behavioral control influences intention of UiTM Terengganu community to contribute to

education waqf fund.

H4: Trust influences intention of UiTM Terengganu community to contribute to education waqf fund.

H5: Religiosity influences intention of UiTM Terengganu community to contribute to education waqf fund.

H6: Knowledge influences intention of UiTM Terengganu community to contribute to education waqf fund.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This study uses purposive non-probability sampling method, by collecting data from UiTM Terengganu’s

community. The respondents are selected based upon the criteria that they must be either lecturer, students,

alumni, or staffs of UiTM Terengganu.

To determine the sample size required, we conduct power analysis using G*Power programme. This is aligned

with Memon et al., (2020) which have used G*Power for sample size estimation. The result is presented in

Figure 1. Based on a 95 percent alpha value, a probability of 0.8, and 3 predictors, a minimum sample size of

77 respondents was predicted, with an effect size of 0.15. In total, 261 responses were used in this study. This

is more than sufficient, according to G*Power analysis that is conducted.

Figure 1: Sample Size Estimation

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To analyse the data, we utilised Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) technique.

Using this technique, the properties of the scales utilized are tested against the theoretical structures and

correlations among those constructs are postulated (Barclay et al., 1995; Chin et al., 2003).

This research adopts the framework developed by Kasri & Chaerunnisa (2022) in assessing the intention of

Warga UiTM Terengganu in contributing towards education waqf. In this framework as outlined in Figure 2,

the role of knowledge, trust, and religiosity are assessed in influencing attitude that influence the intention to

contribute towards the education waqf fund.

Figure 2: Research Framework

In total, there are 36 constructs used to measure the seven variables, which are Attitude, Subjective Norms,

Perceived Behavioral Control, and Intention for Cash Waqf (ICW).

Analysis

The data were analysed for validity and reliability testing using Cronbach’s alpha value. Sekaran & Bougie

(2013) posit that Cronbach's alpha value must exceed 0.60 for each variable, while the loading factor value that

is less than 0.5 will be dropped (Hair et al., 2017). Table 3 shows the data validity and reliability tests.

If the factor loading of an item falls below 0.50, it should be removed from the construct to achieve convergent

validity. Table 3 suggested that the items met the criterion of factor loading for all items exceeding 0.50. At the

same time, Cronbach’s alpha value for all variables must exceed 0.60 (Hair et al., 2017). The test passed the

requirement.

Then, in assessing the measurement model, it is necessary to establish the discriminant validity of the

constructs used in this analysis. The Heterotrait-Monotrait (HTMT) ratio of correlations was used. Henseler et

al., (2016) suggested that the HTMT ratio values below 0.85 are deemed acceptable. Table 1 shows the result

from the HTMT tests.

Table 1: HTMT Test

ATT

ICW

PBC

ATT

ICW

0.720

0.587

0.519

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PBC

0.669

0.710

0.682

0.694

0.540

0.465

0.454

0.673

0.769

0.580

0.750

0.519

0.757

0.718

0.567

0.729

0.540

0.750

Then, multicollinearity and factor loading tests were conducted using VIF values. Hair et al., (2017) suggested

that the VIF value must not exceed 10, as it shows that the item does not suffer from a serious multicollinearity

problem. On the other hand, if the value exceeds 10, the item will be dropped. Table 2 shows the results of the

multicollinearity test using VIF values.

Table 2: Multicollinearity Test

Variables

Item

VIF Value

Status

Knowledge

3.559

No multicollinearity in

the inner and outer

models

4.584

3.556

2.863

4.222

3.483

Religiosity

3.446

No multicollinearity in

the inner and outer

models

5.040

3.659

4.175

2.509

2.641

Trust

3.571

No multicollinearity in

the inner and outer

models

4.404

5.798

5.752

5.318

5.570

Attitude

ATT1

3.087

No multicollinearity in

the inner and outer

models

ATT2

3.298

ATT3

3.294

ATT4

4.030

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ATT5

3.904

ATT6

1.908

Subjective Norms

SN1

1.894

No multicollinearity in

the inner and outer

models

SN2

3.231

SN3

2.577

SN4

3.266

SN5

3.636

SN6

3.560

Perceived Behavioral

Control

PBC1

1.655

No multicollinearity in

the inner and outer

models

PBC2

2.233

PBC3

2.963

PBC4

4.650

PBC5

3.434

PBC6

2.765

Intention for Cash

Waqf

ICW1

2.539

No multicollinearity in

the inner and outer

models

ICW2

2.350

ICW3

2.944

ICW4

3.673

ICW5

3.460

ICW6

3.267

Then, the analysis looks at the values of factor loading (CV), Average Variance Extracted (AVE), R

, β, p

value, and t value. Table 3 shows the factor analysis test for the variables.

Table 3: Factor Analysis Test

Variable

Item

(CV)

AVE

R²

p-value

t-value

0.869

0.905

0.868

0.855

0.904

0.869

0.941

0.943

0.772

0.058

0.470

0.723

0.865

0.909

0.939

0.942

0.768

0.057

0.240

1.176

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R 4

0.899

0.901

0.828

0.853

0.864

0.908

0.931

0.924

0.920

0.959

0.960

0.831

0.082

0.071

1.805

ATT

ATT1

ATT2

ATT3

ATT4

ATT5

ATT6

0.858

0.875

0.902

0.772

0.932

0.748

0.069

0.001*

3.312

SN1

SN2

SN3

SN4

SN5

SN6

0.756

0.881

0.838

0.879

0.889

0.890

0.927

0.930

0.735

0.073

0.000*

4.581

PBC

PBC1

PBC2

PBC3

PBC4

PBC5

PBC6

0.673

0.795

0.871

0.910

0.882

0.839

0.909

0.917

0.692

0.063

0.005*

2.804

ICW

ICW1

ICW2

ICW3

ICW4

ICW5

0.810

0.797

0.851

0.895

0.873

0.923

0.925

0.723

0.620

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ICW6

0.872

The results of the factor analysis found three significant factors influencing intention to donate to education

waqf fund, namely attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. The first factor is attitude,

showing a CR value of 0.932, which is above the minimum value of 0.70, while the AVE value is 0.748, which

is above the minimum value of 0.50 (Chin, 1998). The β value is 0.069, which shows a positive relationship to

INT. The p and t values are 0.001 and 3.312 respectively, which is less than 0.05 for the p value and more than

1.96 for the t value (Hair et al., 2014). Subjective Norms, the second factor, exhibits a CR value of 0.930, an

AVE value of 0.692, the β value at 0.073, and p and t values at 0.000 and 4.581. The third factor is Perceived

Behavioral Control, with a CR value of 0.917, AVE value of 0.692, the β value at 0.063, and values of p and t

at 0.005 and 2.804 respectively.

On the other hand, three other factors show results that do not affect ICW due to the p and t values not being

significant. Structural model of the analysis is depicted in Figure 3.

Figure 3: Structural Model of the Analysis

DISCUSSION

The findings indicate that attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control as significant factors in

influencing UiTM Terengganu’s community to contribute to education waqf fund. This is in line with the

findings of Md Nor et al., (2023); Osman (2014); and Yusoff et al., (2017). However, religiosity is found to be

as insignificant, in contrast to Md Nor et al., 2023; and Osman (2014). Similarly, trust is also found to be

insignificant, negating the findings by Abdul Samad (2022). This could be potentially due to the reason that

UiTM Terengganu’s community does not find that religiosity should be an important factor in influencing their

decision-making, as they are already deeply religious. Similarly, they potentially do not have trust issues with

the institution. With regards to another insignificant factors which is knowledge, this finding is in line with

Abdul Samad (2022). Among the potential reason for this phenomenon is that the community is already

knowledgeable about the education waqf, hence, the factor is not important to influence their decision making.

CONCLUSION

This study explores the awareness and intention of UiTM Terengganu students to donate into educational waqf

fund. Exploring this awareness and intention is crucial for policymakers in UiTM Terengganu, as this will

allow them to potentially open new avenues in fundraising efforts. Overall, waqf could be a valuable way to

fund education needs in UiTM Terengganu. In addition to that, the analysis could potentially be generalised to

another higher learning institutes that have similar structure or environment as UiTM Terengganu.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This research received a grant from UiTM - UNSIQ Research Collaboration Grant (Ref.No: 100-TNCPI/INT

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16/6/2 (066/2023)).

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