Anwar announces RM4.61 mil in aid for Penang’s public religious schools

JAWI – The government today announced an allocation of RM4.61 million for the Penang Public Religious School Assistance programme for this year, in an effort to strengthen religious education institutions in the state.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the allocation covers Quran and Fardhu Ain classes (RM1.37 million); Sekolah Rendah Agama Rakyat (RM541,740), and Sekolah Menengah Agama Rakyat (RM394,750).

“A total of RM191,740 has been approved for tahfiz schools; Sekolah Agama Bantuan Kerajaan, or government-aided religious schools (RM184,700). Pondok institutions will get RM160,000 and Islamic kindergartens RM63,830,” he said in his speech at the launch of the development of Sg Bakap Old Mosque, Seberang Prai Selatan here today.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said the Penang government also approved RM500,000 for Kafa Menengah (Penang Islamic Foundation) and RM1.2 million for Penang Zakat.

In the meantime, Anwar stressed that the unity government allocation, represented by various political parties in the country, to Muslims and Malays was higher than the allocation disbursed three years ago when the country was under the Perikatan Nasional administration.

He asked the people not to be deceived by the opposition’s slander regarding the stability, assistance, and readiness of the Unity Government to the people regardless of race and ethnicity.

“I hold trust. I am grateful to my friends whether in PKR, Amanah, or DAP. There has never been an issue of allocation. Umno, which has been with us, does not seem to differ from us in this principle either,” said the prime minister. – Bernama, July 16, 2023