Govt Allocates RM2 Bln For Islamic Affairs

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- A total of RM2 billion has been allocated for Islamic affairs under Budget 2025, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Anwar, who is also the Minister of Finance, stated that part of the allocation would be used to strengthen Islamic educational institutions, including RM150 million for the maintenance of educational infrastructure under the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), such as pondok, tahfiz, and people's religious schools.

"The government has agreed to increase the Kelas Al-Quran dan Fardu Ain (KAFA) teacher's quota by 1,500, in line with the demand for religious education for children," he said when tabling Budget 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat today.

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Anwar said that the allowance for students at Institut Pengajian Islam dan Dakwah Sabah (IPDAS), Institut Kemahiran Islam Malaysia Sarawak (IKMAS) and Darul Quran JAKIM will be increased by RM100.

He said the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) will get an additional RM25 million to handle abused children and implement faith rehabilitation programmes following the ongoing Op Global.

Police launched Op Global early last month and raided charity homes across Peninsular Malaysia linked to a group suspected of being involved in the exploitation of children and religion.

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"The thoughts and movements that deviate from true teachings of Islam based on Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah are increasingly concerning," he said, adding that integrated efforts are being undertaken to curb the spread of activities that deviate from akidah (faith), causing unease among Malaysians.

He also said that the government will launch an initiative to print one million copies of the Quran to be distributed worldwide, with translations in various languages, including English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Swedish, in an effort to raise awareness about Islam.

"Efforts to raise awareness about Islam following the incident of the Quran being burned in Sweden and the opposition to Islam due to deep-rooted ignorance will be carried out by JAKIM in collaboration with organisations such as Yayasan Restu," he said.

He also stated that as a gesture of solidarity with Palestine, the government has brought more than 40 Palestinians in need of medical treatment to Malaysia.

"To support efforts in raising aid funds, the government proposes to expand the scope of tax exemptions for charitable organisations under Section 44(6) of the Income Tax Act to include donations to non-citizens who are affected," he said.

Meanwhile, he said over 70,000 KAFA and takmir (religious) teachers, imams, bilals (muezzin), mosque caretakers and custodians would enjoy a special contribution of RM500, with an allocation totalling RM35 million.

Besides that, the number of JAKIM halal auditors will be increased by 100 to speed up the halal certification process, which is recognised in nearly all countries around the world, he said, while urging JAKIM, Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC), and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) to intensify their collaboration towards strengthening the halal industry and supporting local halal companies.

On Wakaf MADANI, Anwar stated that the government will further strengthen the initiative by involving its agencies extensively with the Retirement Fund Inc (KWAP), where RM300 million is allocated to enhance the development of waqf land for building self-sufficient retirement homes for low-income retirees.

"UDA Holdings Berhad will focus on developing affordable housing for the people on waqf land with a fund of RM200 million, while the Public Sector Housing Financing Board (LPPSA) will provide funding for civil servants purchasing homes on waqf land.

"The Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme (SJKP) will guarantee loans for first-time homebuyers valued up to RM500,000 for properties developed on waqf land," he added.

-- BERNAMA