Kota Kinabalu: Total allocation of RM1,980,000 has been distributed to 25 Madrasah/Tahfiz in Sabah as of Nov 1, said Special Tasks and Coordination Minister Datuk Arifin Mohd Arif.
This is part of the Madrasah/Maahad Tahfiz Management Assistance Scheme created by the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (MUIS) through its Zakat and Fitrah Division, in efforts to increase religious knowledge and Al-Quran literacy among Muslims in Sabah.
“Through this scheme, Madrasah/Maahad Tahfiz will receive assistance between RM30,000 to RM100,000 annually from MUIS to ease their burden in operating the institution,”
He said during question time at the State Legislative Assembly sitting.
He was responding to Nominated Assemblyman Dr Aliakbar Gulasan who asked what the State Government’s efforts were to achieve 100 per cent Al-Quran literacy among Sabahan Muslims.
Arifin said a total of RM 5,370,500 was allocated to 99 Madrasah/Tahfiz from 2020 to Nov 2022 as part of the assistance scheme.
He added that the State Government has taken several other proactive steps and conducted several programmes to ensure Al-Quran literacy.
Among these are establishing Sekolah Agama Negeri (SAN), Sekolah Menengah Agama Negeri (SMAN), assisting registered Sekolah Agama Rakyat (SAR) and working with the Islamic Development Malaysia Department (Jakim) to conduct Al Quran and Fardhu Ain classes.
“The State Government has also established the Sabah State Tahfiz Al Quran (ITQAS) and the Tahfiz Modul Ulul Albab programme at SMKA Kota Kinabalu,” he said.
He added there are also efforts to appoint Al-Quran and Islamic educators in kindergartens, SAN and SMAN, include Al-Quran learning in syllabuses and organising “ihtifal ilmi” at the school, zone, state and national levels.
To another question by Dr Aliakbar, Arifin said the State Government is committed to conducting teaching programmes for saudara baru (converts) and offer them guidance as they embrace Islam.
“The Government through Jheains has introduced the Kelas Bimbingan Saudara Kita (KBSK) in the districts to provide Islamic religious education to our new brothers.
“In 2022, these classes were increased to 103 to accommodate for demand. Generally, this class will operate once a week and will be held either at a designated surau/mosque/class.
“The number of students who attend KBSK throughout Sabah is approximately 3,523 people each year.
“In addition, various preaching programmes for converts are held throughout the year involving approximately 3,500 people each year,” he said.
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