Kuala Lumpur: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) industry players to focus on incorporating students from unregistered tahfiz schools into their programs. This initiative aims to prevent these students from being left behind and to encourage their involvement in the TVET field.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, emphasized that this effort would equip these students, known as huffaz, with specific skills, thereby enhancing their chances of employment after completing TVET programs. He clarified that the goal is not to take over tahfiz schools but to provide added value to their students, breaking away from rigid mindsets and recognizing their potential as part of the TVET workforce.

The National TVET Council chairman highlighted that this initiative is in line with integrating TVET elements into the education system of registered tahfiz schools across the country. Currently, there are 1,199 registered tahfiz schools or institutions nationwide, whereas over 2,500 remain unregistered.

Ahmad Zahid also called on all states and relevant stakeholders to emulate the examples set by Johor and Melaka in bolstering their respective TVET industries. He mentioned a recent collaboration with the Johor Menteri Besar to launch a program providing TVET training for young individuals to meet the workforce demands of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone. Similarly, Melaka has been recognized as a national TVET hub, leading efforts alongside federal initiatives to strengthen the TVET sector.