Penang: 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).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid stated that the allocation was part of the state government's strategy to ensure that religious education institutions could function effectively while enhancing human capital development rooted in knowledge and good character. This initiative aligns with the Islamic Religious Development Agenda 2030 (APAI2030) and aims to elevate the quality of Islamic education while bolstering human capital development based on 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 detailed during a press conference. Mohamad, who also serves as the president of the Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP), spoke to reporters after officiating the Al-Huffaz and SAR contribution programme and presenting one-off assistance to B40 pilgrims at Masjid Al Muhajirin.
Further, Mohamad highlighted that 342 Islamic religious schools are registered under the Penang Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAIPP). This includes 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. These educational institutions cater to nearly 60,000 students and provide employment for more than 3,500 teachers across 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 added. The initiative, implemented on a one-off basis since 2008, serves as recognition and appreciation for individuals who have memorised the Quran and uphold it as a life guide.
Additionally, Mohamad mentioned that the state government is refining the Penang Waqf Enactment, including provisions related to the registration, development, and enforcement of waqf land, in preparation for its presentation in the State Legislative Assembly. JHEAIPP has been tasked with identifying madrasahs that have yet to register their waqf land, whether family waqf or land endowed by other parties, to ensure systematic management and development of waqf assets.
'Strengthening laws governing religious administration, including waqf, is among the state government's efforts to comprehensively advance Islamic teachings, encompassing all aspects,' he concluded.