IPOH: An allocation of RM34.81mil has been approved for 137 tahfiz and pondok schools, including eight in Perak, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said that the commitment of the Madani government to continue providing allocations for tahfiz and pondok schools, which had resumed in 2022 after been discontinued in 2003.
"The allocations will be used to repair toilets, roofs and walls so that the schools can operate safely.
“This policy aims to restore the position of tahfiz and pondok schools. We must ensure that the schools most in need of help receive it immediately,” he said in his speech at a "Kenduri Rakyat" at Sekolah Menengah Tahfiz Darul Ridzuan here Saturday (Oct 11).
Anwar also urged religious and tahfiz institutions in the country to adapt to master digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to remain relevant in the global shift.
He said that mastering new technology was crucial to ensure these institutions remain relevant as fortresses of Islamic faith, morals, and thinking, and were not left behind in the new wave of technological colonialism.
"Religious schools must accept that some changes are necessary without disrupting traditional teachings, so I suggest adding digital and AI elements.
"If these schools do not master digital technology and AI, those who do will overshadow them, leading to a new form of colonialism through technology," he said.
