KUALA LUMPUR: The Cabinet has in principle agreed to recognise the Malaysian Skills Certificates (SKM) for levels six to eight as equivalent to a bachelor's degree.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the matter, discussed during the cabinet meeting two weeks ago, is part of the Madani government's efforts to further strengthen tahfiz institutions in the country.
Zahid said the government aims to enrol at least 10,000 tahfiz students in National Technical and Vocational Training (TVET) courses by 2027.
"In less than two years of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's administration, 622 tahfiz students from 17 tahfiz schools that offer TVET programmes have enrolled in TVET courses.
"If the allocation is increased, my goal is to have 10,000 tahfiz students participating in TVET nationwide, God willing," he said in his speech at the gathering of 24,000 Huffaz at the Federal Territory Mosque today.
Present were Anwar, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Moktar and Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.
Zahid, who is also the chairman of the National TVET Council, also expressed hope that the government would increase the allocation for the development of Islamic affairs in the country.
This, he said, was as over 2,500 tahfiz schools have yet to be registered as they do not meet the necessary requirements to be recognised as educational institutions.
"In the 2023 Budget, the Prime Minister, who is also the Finance Minister, allocated RM1.4 billion for Islamic affairs, which was further increased to RM1.9 billion in 2024.
"I believe more than RM2 billion will be allocated for Islamic affairs in next month's 2025 Budget announcement, God willing."
Meanwhile, Zahid also refuted allegations from certain parties that the prime minister neglected Islamic affairs.
He assured that since taking office nearly two years ago, Anwar has consistently prioritised efforts to elevate Islam.
"I have witnessed this firsthand and am a living testament to his commitment to upholding Islam without sidelining other religions.
"This is the akidah he emphasises for the holistic practice of our faith," he said.