Tahfiz schools to be empowered with allocation for upgrading, maintenance of wiring system

KANGAR: The RM50 million allocation to the GiatMara Centres (skills training centres) for repair and maintenance of the wiring systems of registered tahfiz (quran memorisation) schools nationwide is a significant move to empower the institution.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said prior to this, the government often provided one-off assistance for tahfiz schools, but the fund was not fully utilised to upgrade the infrastructure, particularly in terms of safety.
"When Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak) announced an allocation of RM50 million (in the 2018 Budget), especially to improve the safety aspect, it is seen as more positive and meaningful with the tendency of the current society eager to send their children to tahfiz schools," he told reporters after attending the state-level Kafa and Islamic Kindergarten Appreciation Ceremony here today.
Asyraf Wajdi reminded administrators of tahfiz schools to register with their respective state religious councils to facilitate the channelling of funds.
He said the move was also crucial to ensure the schools met the stipulated criteria, such as having trained teachers and be equipped with adequate infrastructure.
On the huge allocation for the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) in the 2018 Budget, he said, it should not be questioned by any quarters.
"More than half of the allocation will be used to pay the allowances of imam, bilal, Kafa teachers, takmir teachers and tok siak nationwide," he said. — Bernama