JOHOR BARU: A total of 272 privately run Islamic religious schools in Johor have yet to register with the Johor Islamic Religious Council, says State Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid.
He said that all Islamic religious education institutions operating in Johor are required to register under the Religious Schools Control Enactment 1991.
“The state government and state Islamic Religious Council place great importance on the development of Islamic teachings, particularly in the field of Islamic education, which has been implemented for over 100 years.
"Efforts to enhance the Islamic education system include strengthening laws and enactments, improving teacher welfare and training, upgrading infrastructure, and digitising education. These initiatives aim to ensure that Islamic education in Johor is preserved and continuously developed in a structured manner to uphold the purity of Islam," he said in a statement on Wednesday (Feb 12).
Mohd Fared acknowledged the contributions of individuals and non-governmental organisations in expanding Islamic education by establishing institutions in Johor. However, he stressed that all such institutions must register under the enactment.
He warned that any private Islamic education institution, including early childhood education centres, operating without registering with the council is committing an offence and may face legal action.
"As of now, 229 Islamic education institutions have registered with the council, comprising 40 private Islamic primary schools, 10 private Islamic secondary schools, 149 tahfiz schools, 22 pondok schools, and eight Madrasah Malabar Johor," he said.
"Meanwhile, 25 privately run Islamic religious schools are in the process of completing their registration, while 247 others are known to be operating but have yet to begin the registration process," he added.
Mohd Fared highlighted that the purpose of requiring registration is to maintain the integrity of Islamic education based on the Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah of the Al-Asy'ariyah and Al-Maturidiyah schools of thought. Additionally, it ensures that the welfare of students, staff, and teachers is well protected.
The state government is urging all privately owned Islamic educational institutions to comply with the Religious Schools Control Enactment 1991. Registration can be completed at any district Islamic education office across Johor.
