Penang boosts funding for mosque and surau development to RM25.34 million this year, enhancing religious education and community unity across the state.
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government has allocated RM25.34 million this year for the development of mosques and surau across the state. The funding, channelled through the Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP), aims to strengthen these institutions as centres for worship, education and community unity.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the allocation marks an increase from RM17.67 million provided last year. He noted that Penang currently has 258 mosques, including seven newly completed and operational ones, expanding access to places of worship.
“In line with the Penang Islamic Religious Development Agenda 2030 (APAI2030), which is based on the Vision Penang2030 framework in the field of Islamic education, Penang now has 352 Islamic schools and 222 Al-Quran and Fardu Ain (KAFA) classes registered under the Penang Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JHEAIPP),” he said.
The state government has also channelled RM3.18 million in assistance to Sekolah Agama Rakyat (SAR). It is providing RM7.2 million in allowances to 1,650 KAFA teachers and RM4.19 million in allowances to teachers in Penang Islamic schools.
Chow said this support is a token of appreciation for educators shaping a knowledgeable and morally upright future generation. He made these remarks in his Hari Raya Aidilfitri message.
Chow pledged that the state leadership remains committed to strengthening the development of Islamic affairs. He described this as part of an inclusive state development agenda.
In conjunction with Aidilfitri, he also called on all communities to become ‘agents of peace’. He urged people to refrain from any form of provocation that could undermine unity.
“Let us enliven the festive atmosphere through the tradition of visiting one another, maintaining ties and seeking forgiveness in the spirit of unity to further strengthen harmony in the state,” he said.
The Sun Malaysia
