MAIK To Organise Special Town Hall Session With All Unregistered 'Pondok' And 'Madrasah' Institutions

KOTA BHARU, Nov 7 (Bernama) -- The Kelantan Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIK) is taking a prudent approach in addressing the issue of unregistered ‘pondok’ schools (traditional religious schools) in the state by organising a special town hall session with all managers of ‘pondok’ institutions from Nov 16 to 18.

MAIK Deputy Chairman Datuk Mohd Anis Hussein said the session will bring together registered, unregistered, and temporarily registered ‘pondok’ managers to discuss various issues and get clearer explanations on the standards and guidelines for ‘pondok’ management in Kelantan.

“MAIK wants to hear directly the views and problems faced by pondok managers so that the solutions reached are comprehensive and do not burden any party,” he told reporters after officiating the 'Let’s Do I.T 2025' Programme at the grounds of the As-Salam Jamek Mosque here today.

Elaborating further, Mohd Anis said MAIK had taken note of the recent issue of unregistered operation involving the Madrasah Ahhabul Mustofa Al Islamiah in Tumpat.

He said the ‘madrasah’ had received a closure notice from the Kelantan Islamic Religious Affairs Department and has now ceased operations.

“MAIK has been informed that the manager of the ‘madrasah’ has submitted a letter of re-registration application and expressed their readiness to comply with all stipulated conditions. If they meet the criteria and there are no legal issues, MAIK will consider the application,” he said.

According to him, the issue that arose involving the ‘madrasah’ is individual in nature and does not reflect the entire ‘pondok’ institution in Kelantan. However, MAIK will continue to ensure that all ‘pondok’ and ‘madrasah’ operate legally, safely, and in compliance with current regulations.

-- BERNAMA