GOV' ALLOCATES RM150 MILLION TO UPGRADE 1,250 RAKYAT RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- The government has released an RM150 million allocation this year to maintain and upgrade 1,250 rakyat religious schools (SAR) nationwide, said Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs), Dr Zulkifli Hasan.

He said 820 religious schools and 430 Quran and Fardu Ain (KAFA) class premises received support amounting to RM87.07 million, while RM62.93 million was allocated to other selected Islamic educational institutions.

“From 2023 to 2025, the Ministry of Finance has provided a special federal allocation of RM370 million to the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM). Of this, RM100 million was distributed in 2023, RM120 million in 2024, and RM150 million in 2025, reflecting a steady increase,” he said during the Dewan Rakyat oral question session in response to Datuk Ahmad Saad @ Yahaya (PN-Pokok Sena) on aid for SAR in 2025.

Zulkifli noted that the assistance covers safety, infrastructure, fire prevention, electrical wiring, building maintenance, and plumbing systems, with plans to further strengthen these initiatives in 2026.

On ensuring balanced support between urban and rural schools, he said allocations are determined based on institutional needs rather than location to ensure resources reach those who need them most.

Applications are submitted by the institutions and assessed by a technical committee and a main committee to maintain transparency and appropriateness of funding

The distribution encompasses 76 private pondok schools, 274 private tahfiz institutions, 820 religious schools, and 430 KAFA classes nationwide.

Addressing concern raised by Azli Yusof (PH-Shah Alam) over 80 students in Puchong who were unable to sit for the KAFA Assessment Test (UPKK), Zulkifli advised private religious school operators to ensure their institutions are registered to guarantee exam eligibility and safeguard student welfare and safety.

He added that support through the RM150 million allocation has provided broad benefits to private religious schools, while additional assistance is subject to state policies.

-- BERNAMA