KUCHING: The federal government has approved RM2.69 million to support traditional Islamic schools and tahfiz institutions in Sarawak, aiming to strengthen religious education while ensuring students remain connected to mainstream learning.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the allocation would provide students in these schools with greater exposure to academic subjects such as languages, history and emerging technologies, without disrupting their existing religious studies.
“We respect the system of education in traditional Islamic schools and tahfiz institutions, but students must not be left behind from the mainstream. Learning additional subjects will prepare them for the future,” he said at the Ramadan Bazaar at Sukma Ria today.
Anwar also highlighted plans to introduce exposure to artificial intelligence (AI) through collaboration with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).
The initiative aims to equip students with the skills needed to navigate an increasingly digital economy while maintaining their religious foundation.
In addition to promoting academic and technological exposure, Anwar emphasised the importance of keeping students in traditional Islamic schools integrated with the wider society.
He encouraged learning languages, including English, to enable students to engage with the global community, while also strengthening knowledge of Malaysian history and culture.
Anwar expressed hope that the combined focus on spiritual, academic and technological learning would strengthen unity among different religious and ethnic communities in Sarawak and across Malaysia, fostering a more harmonious and forward-looking society.
