The Terengganu government only provides accommodation and food for Muslim preacher Dr Zakir Naik during his stay in the state, while other expenses are borne by himself through the Islamic Research Foundation, said Menteri Besar Ahmad Razif Abdul Rahman.

He said the Terengganu people were fortunate to have Zakir come to the state to give his lectures.

The menteri besar said this when contacted by Bernama for his comment on claims by certain quarters that a hefty amount was spent by the state government to bring Zakir to Terengganu.

The invitation for Zakir, 50, to come to Terengganu was made last year when Ahmad Razif met the Islamic scholar during a working visit to South Korea.

Meanwhile, Zakir, in his lecture on ‘The Importance of Unity Among Muslim Ummah’, emphasised the importance of unity in Islam.

He said Muslims should avoid a rift among themselves.

The lecture, followed by question and answer session, was held at the Gong Badak Indoor Stadium and was attended by about 30,000 people.

It is Zakir’s first trip to Terengganu. He will be here for five days and is scheduled to also give lectures at several places in Terengganu.

Zakir, who is a medical doctor, was awarded the Tokoh Maal Hijrah award in 2013.

- Bernama