KUALA LUMPUR: The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) has channelled RM119 million in special allocations 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, stated that the Ministry of Finance provided a one-off allocation of RM120 million with a ceiling of RM150 million for JAKIM this year. This funding supports Pondok, Tahfiz, and Religious Schools, as well as Al-Quran and Fardu Ain Classes (KAFA) throughout Malaysia.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the amount is a one-off allocation intended as aid to be channelled to IPIs registered with stakeholders across Malaysian states. 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. Mohd Na’im was responding to claims on
social media about the actual allocation amount 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 registered with state religious authorities.

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. Mohd Na’im emphasised th
at 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.