KUALA LUMPUR – The government will increase its allocation for Islamic affairs to RM3.1 billion in Budget 2027, up from RM2.6 billion previously, as part of efforts to strengthen Islamic institutions and religious education.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government would establish the Malaysian Pondok and Turath Advisory Council, bringing together international Islamic scholars, including Sheikh Ali Gomaa and Sheikh Idris al-Fasi, to preserve and promote traditional Islamic scholarship.
The government will also introduce the Malaysian Turath Certificate to support the long-term sustainability of pondok institutions.
In efforts to strengthen digital literacy, the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) will collaborate with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) to provide devices and digital skills training for teachers and students at more than 300 pondok schools nationwide.
A Creative Dakwah Programme will also be introduced to produce fresh, credible and engaging Islamic content for younger audiences through digital media, social media influencers and artificial intelligence (AI).
Separately, the government will provide a special monthly incentive of RM150 to 500 teachers under the Kelas Al-Quran dan Fardu Ain (KAFA) programme who teach pupils with special needs, including through sign language and Braille versions of the Quran.
The government, through Lembaga Tabung Haji, will also fully cover Social Security Organisation (Socso) contributions for 40,000 religious personnel, including imams, bilals, tok siak, noja, marbut and takmir teachers.
The measures form part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen religious education, support those serving religious institutions and expand access to Islamic learning. – October 9, 2026