KUALA LUMPUR: The Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (Jakim) has allocated RM119mil in special funding for the maintenance and upgrading of 1,553 registered Islamic Educational Institutions (IPIs) nationwide as of November 2024.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Senator Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar, said that the Finance Ministry provided a one-off allocation of RM120mil with a ceiling of RM150mil for Jakim this year.
This funding supports Pondok, Tahfiz and Religious Schools, as well as Al-Quran and Fardu Ain Classes (KAFA) throughout Malaysia.
"The amount is a one-off allocation as aid to be channelled to IPIs registered with stakeholders in states throughout Malaysia.
"The special allocation is not automatically provided; each registered IPI must apply through their respective state stakeholders, who will then submit applications to Jakim for consideration and approval," he said in a statement on Sunday (Nov 10).
Mohd Na’im was responding to claims on social media about the actual allocation amount that Jakim should have channelled to IPIs, including pondok, tahfiz, religious schools and KAFA classes nationwide.
He also mentioned that Jakim has conducted engagement sessions with state religious authorities to clarify the procedures for distributing the special allocation.
"The IPI categories eligible to apply for the aid include Private Pondok Institutions, Private Tahfiz Institutions, People’s Religious Schools, Private Religious Schools, State Religious Schools, State Religious Secondary Schools, and KAFA classes in non-government premises that are registered with state religious authorities," he added.
He explained that in line with the Federal Government's Special Allocation Management Guidelines for the Maintenance and Upgrading of Jakim's IPIs, six key project categories are eligible for funding consideration.
"These categories cover safety measures, infrastructure maintenance and upgrades, fire prevention, electrical wiring, building maintenance, and piping systems,” he said.
Mohd Na’im emphasised that Jakim’s allocation process includes verification, a review of the institution's background, and an assessment of genuine needs to ensure transparent and accountable distribution.
"The Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) through Jakim is committed to advancing Islamic values nationwide and ensuring Islamic Educational Institutions remain a priority under the Madani government’s leadership,” he said. – Bernama
