Selangor: The Selangor government and the Selangor Zakat Board (LZS) will no longer sponsor students for undergraduate studies in the Middle East starting this year.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) director Datuk Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad stated on JAIS' Facebook page that sponsorships will now focus on local institutions such as Universiti Islam Selangor (UIS) or other universities in Malaysia. However, sponsorships for master's and doctoral studies in Egypt, Jordan, and Morocco will continue.

The decision aims to mitigate the risk of students being influenced by elements that could affect their thinking and identity, particularly those pursuing Islamic studies in the Middle East. Private students who are not accepted locally or choose to study abroad may still pursue undergraduate Islamic studies in Egypt, Jordan, or Morocco, with these cases being fully managed by JAIS.

Mohd Shahzihan emphasized that the move is intended to ensure students are well-prepared, possess strong character, are fluent in Arabic, and have the skills necessary to cope with the academic environment and challenges overseas. He also noted that offering sponsorships for undergraduate studies at UIS helps strengthen JAIS' long-established religious education system, which begins from the primary school level.

He highlighted that UIS, under the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS), has demonstrated its capability to produce graduates who are knowledgeable, well-mannered, and ready for employment. MAIS and the state government also welcome applications from students who have completed undergraduate Islamic studies and wish to pursue postgraduate studies in Egypt, Jordan, or Morocco under LZS and state sponsorship.

Applications for both local undergraduate sponsorships and overseas postgraduate sponsorships will open in June 2025, with interviews to be conducted to select eligible candidates.