KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Pre-Tahfiz Programme at KEMAS Kindergartens here continues to achieve success, with 771 young huffaz (Quran memorisers) recorded to date.
Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development and Kota Samarahan Member of Parliament Datuk Rubiah Wang, expressed pride at seeing the children’s ability to memorize selected surahs of the Quran under the programme, which was officially launched on November 7, 2023.
She said that the programme initially aimed to produce about 100,000 young huffaz by 2026 but has already surpassed the target by producing 123,000 young huffaz nationwide to date.
“In Sarawak alone, we have produced 4,158 young huffaz, while 771 young huffaz have been produced in the Kota Samarahan area so far,” she said in her speech at the KEMAS Kindergarten and Nursery Appreciation Day for Kota Samarahan parliamentary constituency at Kota Samarahan Civic Centre here on Saturday.
The programme supplements the Islamic Appreciation Module (Modul Penghayatan Islam) by focusing on Fardu Ain and Quran memorization, specifically helping children memorize 38 surahs from Juz 30 (Juz Amma).
“These achievements show the children’s great potential. It is possible that this generation will grow into professionals who are also hafiz and hafizah of the Quran,” she said.
Rubiah also announced that KEMAS will introduce an early Quranic education initiative at the nursery (Taska) level next year through the Thalatha Tis’a programme, targeting children as young as two.
The programme is expected to involve 1,000 children in 100 KEMAS nurseries nationwide to cultivate Quran literacy from an early age.
She added that KEMAS continuously undergoes branding and programme improvements to remain relevant amid evolving early childhood education needs.
The curriculum is developed according to the Ministry of Education’s standards and emphasises a STREAM approach—Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics—addressing contemporary educational requirements.
“Alhamdulillah, the modules are well received at the kindergarten level.
“This supports Malaysia MADANI’s vision of nurturing knowledgeable, ethical and competitive generations,” Rubiah said.
She added that the aim is to strengthen values, character and student development from an early age to fully realise their potential.
Against this backdrop, Rubiah noted a steady rise in applications for KEMAS classes, with more than 10,000 classes currently operating nationwide.
“KEMAS does not limit class applications as long as there are sufficient premises and teachers, ensuring all children have access to early education.
“Our role extends beyond rural areas and remains relevant in urban settings, with teachers holding Diplomas in Early Childhood Education,” she said.
