PETALING JAYA: The government is increasing its Budget 2027 allocation for Islamic affairs to RM3.1bil, up from RM2.6bil, to strengthen religious institutions, support religious personnel and expand Islamic education and outreach.
Tabling the Budget in the Dewan Rakyat on Friday (Oct 9), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government, through Tabung Haji, would fully cover Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) contributions for 40,000 religious personnel, including imam, bilal, tok siak, noja, marbut and guru takmir.
To strengthen traditional Islamic scholarship, the government will establish the Majlis Penasihat Pondok dan Turath Malaysia, bringing together international Islamic scholars including Syeikh Ali Gomaa and Syeikh Idris al-Fasi.
A Sijil Turath Malaysia will also be introduced to help ensure the sustainability of pondok institutions.
The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) will provide devices and digital skills training for teachers and students at more than 300 pondok schools nationwide.
The Budget also provides for the Dakwah Kreatif programme, which aims to produce fresh, authentic and youth-oriented Islamic content through digital media, influencers and artificial intelligence (AI).
A special monthly incentive of RM150 will be given to 500 Kelas Al-Quran dan Fardu Ain (Kafa) teachers who teach students with special needs, including through sign language and Quran Braille.
Support for religious education will extend to infrastructure and operating costs.
The allocation for repairs and maintenance at registered religious schools, tahfiz institutions and pondok schools registered under Jakim will reach RM200mil, with assistance expanded to cover their operating expenses.
The overall allocation for repairs and maintenance across all types of schools will double from RM1bil to RM2bil.
Tahfiz students will also continue to have access to short courses at community colleges, offering pathways to employment, entrepreneurship and further education.
Beyond religious education, the Budget includes measures to reinforce Malaysia’s position in the global Islamic economy.
Providers of syariah-compliant fund management services will receive a 40% income tax exemption for assessment years 2028 to 2030.
Sukuk Prisma issuers will be eligible for tax deductions on approved issuance costs for assessment years 2027 to 2030, while grants under the SRI Sukuk Scheme and Bond Grant Scheme will be exempt from tax from Jan 1.
To encourage participation in the halal industry, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) obtaining halal certification for the first time will be eligible for matching grants of up to RM5,000.
A separate RM25,000 grant will support halal SMEs in sectors including cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Employees Provident Fund (EPF) members who opt for Simpanan Syariah will also be able to pay zakat directly from their dividends, similar to facilities available through Permodalan Nasional Bhd and Tabung Haji.
