Penang Allocates RM3.6 Mln For Religious Schools, Quran Memorisers

GEORGE TOWN, Aug 27 (Bernama) -- The Penang government has allocated RM3.6 million for 342 registered Sekolah Agama Rakyat (SAR) in the state this year, including contributions to Quran memorisers (Al-Huffaz). 

Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid said the allocation was among the state government’s efforts to ensure that the religious education institutions could operate smoothly, while strengthening human capital development based on knowledge and good character. 

He said the initiative also reflected the state government’s commitment in line with the Islamic Religious Development Agenda 2030 (APAI2030), and expressed hope that it would improve the quality of Islamic education while supporting human capital development grounded in religious values in Penang. 

“Of the total, RM2.77 million is allocated for teachers and school assistance, covering teacher competency courses, teaching aids, resource centre equipment, as well as honorariums for principals, headmasters, coordinators, supervisors and teachers, while another RM472,300 is allocated for students’ extracurricular activities,” he said here today. 

Mohamad, who is also the president of the Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP), spoke to reporters after officiating the Al-Huffaz and SAR contribution programme, and presentation of one-off assistance to B40 pilgrims at Masjid Al Muhajirin here today. 

Mohamad said there are 342 Islamic religious schools registered under the Penang Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAIPP), comprising 12 Sekolah Agama Bantuan Kerajaan (SABK), 17 Sekolah Menengah Agama Rakyat (SMAR), 220 Al-Quran and Fardhu Ain classes (KAFA), 14 Sekolah Rendah Agama Rakyat (SRAR), 44 Maahad Tahfiz, 14 pondok institutions and 21 Mutiara Madani Islamic Kindergartens. 

He said the educational institutions involved nearly 60,000 students and provided employment opportunities for more than 3,500 teachers throughout the state. 

“Meanwhile, RM350,000 has been allocated as contributions to 700 Al-Huffaz, with each receiving RM500, and the state government has also allocated RM237,000 for a one-off assistance of RM1,000 each to 237 B40 pilgrims who performed the Haj this year,” he said. 

He said the initiative, which has been implemented on a one-off basis since 2008, is a form of recognition and appreciation by the state government for individuals who successfully memorised the Quran and upheld the Quran as a guide to life. 

Meanwhile, Mohamad said the state government is also refining the Penang Waqf Enactment, including provisions relating to the registration, development and enforcement of waqf land before it is tabled in the State Legislative Assembly

He said JHEAIPP has also been instructed to identify madrasahs that have yet to register their waqf land, whether family waqf or land endowed by other parties, to ensure that the management and development of waqf assets could be carried out in a more systematic manner. 

“Strengthening laws governing religious administration, including waqf, is among the state government’s efforts to strengthen the development of Islamic teachings comprehensively, encompassing all aspects,” he said. 

-- BERNAMA