RULER: CLOSE UNREGISTERED TAHFIZ SCHOOLS IN SELANGOR
Decree also applies to schools that do not have modern education system
SULTAN of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has decreed that private tahfiz schools not registered with the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) should be shut down.
“Tahfiz education in Selangor has attracted many parents and students.
“In Selangor, there are 15,000 tahfiz students at 263 private tahfiz schools registered with Jais.
“I decree that private tahfiz schools that are not registered with Jais and do not have a curriculum and modern academic education system be closed,” he said in his royal address when opening the first meeting of the second term of the 14th state assembly sitting.
Present to grace the opening were Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin and Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah.
Sultan Sharafuddin said he wanted heavy penalties imposed on environmental polluters.
He decreed this after being informed that there were contaminated rivers in Selangor.
“I have been informed that there are four or five rivers that are polluted with solid waste and toxic waste.
“Therefore, I urge the state government to carry out more enforcement against those who dump waste into the rivers.
“If need be, laws must be made to impose heavy penalties on those who pollute rivers.
“Apart from that, the education of society must be heightened by holding awareness campaigns on caring for rivers, which are resources for water in Selangor.”
Sultan Sharafuddin advised his subjects to use water frugally as it was a gift from God that must be protected and managed prudently.
He said the use of domestic water in Selangor had recorded a higher average rate compared with the national rate.
“If this use can be lowered, I am confident that it can contribute to the conservation of clean water and can guarantee a continuous water supply.
“Therefore, apart from focusing on the improvement of the water services supply management, I want the state government, together with agencies, such as Lembaga Urus Air Selangor (Luas) and Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Air Selangor), to educate people so that they appreciate water and do not waste it or use it as they please.”
The sultan decreed that watercatchment areas and forest reserves be preserved to ensure that water resources were sufficient.
Efforts to preserve forest reserves and the beauty of their flora and fauna must be carried out, he added.
“The state must ensure that there is no logging in forest reserves and water-catchment areas.”
Sultan Sharafuddin called for Selangor’s asset, in the form of peace and harmony, to be defended and preserved to ensure stability and peace.
He said Selangor had been gifted with a melting pot of races, religions and traditions.
“I am in agreement and view seriously that all subjects in Selangor must maintain the harmony and prosperity that we have and strengthen the unity that has been long forged between people of different races and religions.
“My subjects must always respect each other and not exaggerate sensitive matters that touch on religion and race that could disrupt harmony.
“Use technology positively to contribute to society and don’t spread slander and fake news, and insult others, which will cause a split in the community.”
Sultan Sharafuddin urged assemblymen to debate positively, raise beneficial topics, bring forward current issues and discuss challenges ahead and cultivate positive mindsets.