Education Ministry to register tahfiz schools

SHAH ALAM: A policy that requires tahfiz schools to be registered with the Education Ministry is being drawn up to ensure religious boarding schools can be monitored.

Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said the policy would ensure tahfiz schools, including private-owned ones, could be monitored holistically.

“The drafting of the policy is in progress. As the prime minister (Datuk Seri Najib Razak) mentioned, we want all tahfiz schools to be registered, even small-scale ones, so we can monitor their safety and security measures, health measures and food hygiene, among others.

“(Once the policy is in place), it will require even the private ones to be registered with the ministry. We want a full database on these schools.”

He was commenting on the case of Mohamad Thaqif Amin Mohd Gaddafi, 11, whose legs were amputated on Friday after he was allegedly beaten by an assistant warden.

Although he has yet to receive a full report, Mahdzir called for a thorough investigation to be carried out into the case, which occurred in Kota Tinggi, Johor.

“I think the boy is enrolled in a private tahfiz school that it is not under the ministry.

“If the school is under the state government, we can assist in terms of action that must be taken. If the school is registered under the ministry, then it is under our responsibility.”

In Johor Baru, state Islamic Religious