ASAJAYA: The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) is committed to expanding the establishment of Tahfiz kindergartens under the Community Development Department (KEMAS), including in Sarawak.
Its Deputy Minister, Datuk Rubiah Wang said there are several early childhood education centres that have been identified in the state to be upgraded as Tahfiz kindergartens (Tabika Tahfiz).
She said that through the Budget 2024 announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently, KEMAS received a large allocation amounting to RM586 million.
Rubiah explained that it does not only include efforts to improve the infrastructure of Tabika KEMAS but also for community development.
“While, RM20 million from the allocation is focused on improving the Tahfiz kindergartens system which was newly introduced this year,” she said.
The Kota Samarahan Member of Parliament said this when met during the Perdana Outdoor Literacy programme in conjunction with the Maulidur Rasul Celebration 1445 Hijrah/2023 at Darul As-Solihin Mosque, Kampung Sambir, here, today.
She added that so far there have been two Tabika Tahfiz established in Sarawak, namely at the District Police Headquarters (IPD) in Kota Samarahan and in Petra Jaya, Kuching.
“Both nurseries are also pilot projects, and so far they are running well and smoothly.
“We will implement this project throughout the country, including Sarawak, in stages since we need reskilling and upskilling of KEMAS teachers,” she said.
Elaborating further, Rubiah informed that her ministry has also prepared for the opening of Tahfiz kindergartens classes next year.
“We have sent several KEMAS teachers to the training centre in Perak for reskilling and skill improvement, for this Tahfiz format we are working with the Pahang State Foundation,” she explained.
For the record, Rubiah previously also said that the two existing Tabika Tahfiz projects are among the 100 projects that have been implemented throughout Malaysia.
