Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced that the government has approved an allocation of RM34.81 million to carry out urgent repair works at 137 pondok and tahfiz schools across Malaysia. The initiative aims to strengthen the integration of moral, spiritual, and academic education in line with the MADANI human capital development framework.
Speaking at a community gathering with members of the Perak State Islamic Education Institution at Sekolah Menengah Tahfiz Darul Ridzuan, Anwar explained that the funds will be used to upgrade basic facilities such as roofs, toilets, and classrooms. He noted that several schools were operating under poor conditions, and this allocation is intended to provide immediate relief and improved learning environments.
Eight institutions in Perak are among the recipients of this allocation, with more projects expected to follow. Anwar mentioned that additional funding will be explored in future budgets to ensure that all pondok and tahfiz schools benefit from necessary improvements.
He emphasised that the government’s focus extends beyond physical infrastructure to nurturing spiritual development and moral education among youth, which he described as central to Malaysia’s progress. The initiative, he said, also represents the restoration of financial support for religious schools — a form of aid that had been discontinued since 2003 but reinstated after he assumed office in 2022.
As both Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Anwar highlighted that this effort forms part of the 2026 Budget, which allocates RM2.6 billion to enhance Islamic educational institutions, strengthen mosques, and promote a broader understanding of Islam rooted in MADANI values.
During his address, Anwar urged pondok and tahfiz schools to adapt to modern developments, particularly in digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI). He warned that neglecting these areas could lead to a new form of “technological colonisation,” where others dominate intellectual and technological advancement. He encouraged religious institutions to balance traditional Islamic teachings with modern education to stay relevant in the digital era.
Anwar clarified that the government has no intention of replacing the traditional pondok education system but seeks to complement it with improvements in libraries, science labs, and digital resources. The goal, he said, is to ensure students of religious institutions are equipped with both spiritual strength and modern skills to meet future challenges.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding Islamic ideals within national development, ensuring that Malaysia’s moral and educational foundations remain strong and inclusive in an evolving global landscape.
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