Kuala lumpur: The government is bolstering pondok institutions across the nation through strategic collaboration with religious agencies and pondok managements to craft a more dynamic and progressive educational framework. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Zulkifli Hasan announced the initiative, highlighting the current focus on strengthening the pondok education ecosystem within the country.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this effort is being executed through synergetic cooperation involving the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), the Malaysian Islamic Dakwah Foundation (YADIM), and pondok institutions nationwide, including those in Kedah. Dr Zulkifli emphasized the importance of engaging with pondok institutions to understand their needs and collaboratively developing a future-oriented framework that aligns with the national education mainstream while preserving the identity and traditions of turath studies.
Dr Zulkifli noted the government's recognition of the substantial potential of pondok institutions to flourish and their critical role in nurturing knowledgeable and morally upright generations. In line with this, the government has increased its budget allocation for maintenance and upgrading works for pondok schools, religious schools, and tahfiz institutions from RM150 million last year to RM200 million this year.
"Last year, maintenance and upgrading works were successfully carried out for about 1,600 pondok institutions, tahfiz centres, and religious schools throughout the country. This year's allocation is already being utilized, with several states having received assistance for repairs and facility improvements," he stated. This initiative is part of the government's broader commitment, as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, to ensure the welfare and development of Islamic educational institutions remain a priority.
Dr Zulkifli also commented on the achievements of Darull Hikmah, noting its success in offering quality educational programmes, particularly in Arabic language proficiency and the advancement of Islamic knowledge since its inception in 2019.