‘Call to close down tahfiz centres extreme and illogical’

GEORGE TOWN: The call to close down tahfiz centres is extreme and illogical, said Penang PPBM Youth.

Penang PPBM Youth head Muhammad Shameer Mohamed Sulaiman said instead, the infrastructure, safety and comfort levels of these tahfiz centres should be improved and their syllabus strengthened.

“The tahfiz centres have proven that they can produce, nurture and shape people to become responsible and honest. The tahfiz and madrasah in Malaysia now are not like before. Tahfiz schools today have skills and academics, and some students have taken the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia ( SPM) examination and continued their studies to the diploma stage and higher,” he said in a statement here yesterday.

On Sunday, former Information Minister Tan Sri Zainuddin Maidin defended his call to close down all tahfiz schools in the country as he said there were malpractices in these schools such as embezzlement, using students to sell religious books to get funds and various tragedies such as fires, physical abuse and pressure.

Muhammad Shameer said the syllabus in tahfiz centres must be revised in line with technology and current times so as to be more relevant.

“Have an organised and modern system so that that tahfiz schools can make the ummah proud,” he said. He urged all parties including corporate and professional bodies as well as non- governmental organisations to support tahfiz institutions.

Meanwhile in Kota bharu, PAS deputy president Datuk Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said tahfiz schools have produced students of high moral character and some have become successful as professionals.

He said the country was now faced with social problems resulting from children who did not have sufficient religious upbringing who became involved in unhealthy activities.

Speaking to reporters here today, Tuan Ibrahim said religious studies could help prevent youths from becoming involved in crimes and other activities which could destroy the country. — Bernama