Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has approved RM4.6 million this year to upgrade infrastructure at 27 Islamic educational institutions across Penang, more than doubling last year’s allocation for the same purpose.
The funding covers upgrading works at madrasahs, schools, tahfiz academies and new kindergarten buildings, Anwar said when speaking at the National Tadabbur Perdana and Maidah Wanita Madani Permatang Pauh programme at Masjid Muhajirin in Permatang Pauh on 29 August.
“Last year in Penang, we added more than RM2 million. This year, I announced RM4.6 million for Islamic religious institutions,” FMT quoted him as saying. “It is for various construction work, including new kindergarten buildings, and upgrading of madrasahs, schools and tahfiz academies.”
The allocation marks a marked increase from the RM2.11 million provided last year, which supported upgrading works at 11 institutions in the state. The funding has more than doubled in value while covering more than twice as many institutions, reflecting a broader federal push to modernise Islamic education facilities in Penang.
Malay Mail reported that the projects also include walls, fences and other basic infrastructure at the institutions, which span madrasahs, primary and secondary religious schools, tahfiz academies and kindergarten buildings.
Anwar, who also serves as finance minister, said the federal government would continue investing in religious schools and Islamic educational institutions to strengthen religious education facilities nationwide.
Beyond infrastructure, Anwar called for Islamic education to keep pace with technological developments. He highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence in Quranic and Islamic studies, but stressed that technology must be guided by moral principles.
“AI must have values. AI must be rooted in morality. It should not be used simply to develop talent and understanding without values and morality,” he said, as reported by Malay Mail.
The prime minister also urged the public to make full use of the country’s freedoms to organise religious programmes. He said Quran classes, tadabbur sessions and religious talks should be held continuously to deepen public understanding and appreciation of the teachings of Islam.
The announcement comes ahead of Malaysia’s National Day celebrations on 31 August, with Anwar expected to outline further policy initiatives in his national address.
