By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
KLANG, October 22: The state government plans to establish a tahfiz university in Selangor in the future as part of a larger bid to enhance religious education, Selangor Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari announced.
He expressed the state’s willingness to engage in discussions with relevant parties regarding the education institution’s model and administration.
“At present, tahfiz centres are collaborating with the Universiti Al-Azhar and Universiti Islam Selangor (UIS),” he told reporters after officiating the 40th anniversary celebration of the Hafiz Education Center, here, today.
“If we look at the progress, a dedicated tahfiz university can be implemented, but we have to identify an appropriate location since many areas are currently gazetted for institutions or schools.
“But it can be realised, and it would be better if it is integrated with UIS. The only issue is land size. If we do it at Universiti Selangor, we have an excess of around 1,000 acres of land, but there is currently no religious course there.
Amirudin said the state government always ensures the various aspects of tahfiz institutions are constantly updated to maintain their high standards.
“This is what we strive for every year by strengthening various aspects, including safety, health, content, and education. We want Islam to be a platform for excellence in this world and the hereafter, rather than projecting inappropriate images,” he said.
“In fact, we aim to produce students who not only memorise the Quran but also become good, cultured individuals.”
Meanwhile, Amirudin said as part of efforts to assist tahfiz students, the state government has initiated a fast-track programme for them to sit SPM examinations.
“We also conduct additional classes organised by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department. We provide this opportunity to over 1,000 students, and as a result, they not only pass (SPM), they also obtain excellent results.
“This is in line with the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj’s decree that tahfiz centres should not merely give birth to a community that memorises the Quran, but they should also be given the chance to improve their academics.”
