Kuala lumpur: A total of 234 religious schools across Malaysia have been officially registered as Government-Aided Religious Schools (SABK), marking a significant move by the government to bolster Islamic education institutions in the country. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance and empower Islamic educational frameworks nationwide.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Ministry of Education (MOE) secretary-general, Datuk Dr. Aminuddin Hassim, emphasized that the ministry continues to receive applications for SABK registration from various state and people's religious schools, including 19 from Kelantan. The approval process for these applications is rigorous, adhering to existing MOE laws and policies, and must be reviewed by the SABK Registration Technical and Main Committees.
Dr. Aminuddin elaborated on the criteria for approval, noting that the schools' readiness, including land status, building safety, management committee preparedness, and the quality of teachers, is carefully assessed. This ensures a smooth transition into the government service framework. "We don't want religious schools to be seen as a second choice. Our goal is to position SABK as a top option, offering proper facilities and trained teachers,' he stated during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the registration of Sekolah Menengah Imtiaz Ulul Albab under the SABK initiative.
The MoU was signed by Aminuddin on behalf of the MOE, with Sekolah Menengah Imtiaz Ulul Albab represented by Melaka Islamic Religious Council (MAIM) secretary Shaifulfazlee Mohamad. Aminuddin assured that the change in status would not diminish the schools' identities but would instead reinforce their management and facilities for the benefit of students and the community.
Dr. Aminuddin further clarified that the change in status does not alter the authority or role of the school's management committee. Instead, it provides them with a strategic partnership with the MOE. School land and assets will remain with the current administrators, while the MOE will manage staffing and provide financial support in accordance with government resources. The registration process for Sekolah Menengah Imtiaz Ulul Albab is expected to take three to six months, contingent upon meeting all documentation requirements and conditions set by the MOE.
Sekolah Menengah Imtiaz Ulul Albab Melaka, established in 2012 and managed by MAIM and the school management board, aims to develop students who are both hafiz and academically successful.