KANGAR: The Perlis government has rejected applications by two private tahfiz schools in the state for failing to meet building safety requirements, including the Fire and Rescue Department's safety standards.
State Islamic Affairs Committee chairman Khairi Hassan said two other tahfiz schools in Perlis were found to be operating without having registered with the authorities.
He said there are nine registered private tahfiz schools currently operating in Perlis.
Khairi added that the state government is monitoring tahfiz schools closely and would not hesitate to shut any of them down should they fail to comply with regulations set by the authorities.
“The Perlis Islamic Religious Department (JAIPs) and myself are constantly meeting with tahfiz administrators and making periodical visits to the schools.
"Besides making sure that they adhere to safety requirements, we also advise them on matters related to management, the syllabus and the co-curriculum.
“The state government has the authority to enforce the law and cease the operations of tahfiz schools which do not comply with requirements pertaining to education and safety aspects," he said when contacted.
“At the federal level, the Islamic Education Coordination Advisory Board (Lepai) has recommended a special co-curriculum for Islamic religious schools and tahfiz schools. The implementation is pending approval from respective state’s Islamic affairs authorities,” he said.
Khairi added that tahfiz schools registered with the state government are entitled to an annual grant from the federal government, and financial assistance from the state’s tithe department, or “baitulmal.”
As for syllabi, he said the government only suggests subject syllabus to tahfiz schools, but that it is up to respective administrations to follow the syllabus accordingly, or make necessary adjustments.