Penang: Quran and Fardhu Ain (KAFA) class teachers in Penang will receive a monthly allowance increase of RM200 from July, bringing their total monthly allowance to RM1,500. Deputy Chief Minister I, Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, announced the increment, highlighting that KAFA headteachers will receive a higher allowance of RM1,600 compared to RM1,350 previously, marking a RM250 increase.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, during last year’s state legislative assembly, a comprehensive review was conducted to bolster KAFA education in Penang, reflecting the commitment of the Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) and the state government towards KAFA educators’ welfare. Dr Mohamad shared additional benefits for teachers, including a special maternity assistance for female KAFA teachers appointed from January 1, eligible for RM1,100 per month during two months of maternity leave.

Moreover, RM150,000 has been allocated to improve training programs for KAFA teachers in the state. Dr Mohamad, also MAINPP president, stated that these measures will lead to an additional financial commitment of RM4.2 million annually, increasing the total KAFA allocation to RM8.5 million per year.

He also announced the resumption of a standardised five-day operational schedule for all KAFA premises in Penang starting July 1, a practice that was disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the education sector, MAINPP is set to increase its education budget to RM35 million for 2024 and 2025, along with introducing new scholarship allocations for Polytechnic and Form Six students.

Dr Mohamad added that MAINPP recently allocated RM6.5 million to distribute 8,740 tablet devices to 263 primary and secondary schools, supporting the digitalisation of education and aiming to bridge the digital divide among students by 2030.