Kuala lumpur: The Penang State Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) has allocated RM2 million for the implementation of the Mutiara Didik Cemerlang Akademik (MPDCA) Programme this year, benefitting 7,403 Bumiputera pupils and students across the state. Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid said the allocation would be channelled towards various initiatives to improve academic performance, including tuition classes, learning modules, academic seminars, and examination answering technique workshops.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the programme, introduced in 2006, was a joint initiative between MAINPP, the Penang State Education Department (JPNPP), the Penang Bumiputera Participation Coordination Division under the Prime Minister's Department Implementation Coordination Unit, and the Penang Regional Development Authority (PERDA). "This programme reflects MAINPP's continuous commitment to empowering Bumiputera children through various educational initiatives that provide access to quality learning opportunities and support their pursuit of academic excellence," Mohamad said at the MPDCA 2026 Coordinating Teachers' Briefing.
At the event, Mohamad, who is also MAINPP president, presented a RM2 million mock cheque to JPNPP, represented by deputy director of the Learning Sector Mohamad Said Ibrahim, for the implementation of the programme. Mohamad stated that this year, the MPDCA tuition programme for Year Six pupils would continue to focus on four core subjects: Bahasa Melayu, English, Mathematics, and Science. For students sitting the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination, a total of 13 subjects are offered, including Bahasa Melayu, History, English, Mathematics, Science, Arabic, Additional Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
The programme also covers three Integrated Dini Curriculum subjects for government-aided religious schools, namely Dini-Lughatul Arabiyyah Mu'asirah (LAM), Dini-As Syariah, and Dini-Usuluddin. Mohamad said JPNPP data showed that MPDCA had made a positive impact since its introduction in 2006, contributing to improved academic performance and achievement among students who participated in the programme.
In addition, Mohamad announced that MAINPP had allocated RM22.36 million for Higher Education Bursaries, RM6.3 million for the Permulaan IPT Scheme, RM3 million for Early Schooling Aid, and RM3 million for School Uniform Aid this year. These initiatives reflect MAINPP's long-term investment in human capital development aimed at improving the socio-economic standing of Muslims in Penang.
Meanwhile, Hartina Arjan, a Bahasa Melayu teacher at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Permai Indah in Bukit Minyak, highlighted that MPDCA had helped improve students' mastery of subjects through systematically developed learning modules, while providing free access to students from different academic backgrounds. She noted that the modules focused on developing speaking, reading, and writing skills, helping students better prepare for Classroom-Based Assessment (PBD) and the final assessment of the academic session.
Sadiah Roslan, a teacher at Sekolah Rendah Islam Al-Masriyah Halimatun in Bukit Mertajam, said the programme had especially benefited students from low-income families who could not afford private tuition. "A more interactive learning approach through updated modules and quiz-based activities has helped capture students' interest and encourage greater participation in the classroom, leading to better academic performance," she stated.