Perak: The Perak government is allocating RM20 million annually for the operation of five Sekolah Menengah Tahfiz Darul Ridzuan (SMTDR), which includes covering teacher salaries, student meals, training programmes, and facility maintenance.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad stated that the schools are situated in Pulau Pangkor, Semanggol, Lenggong, Sungai Lesung, and Ipoh. He further shared that nearly RM112 million has been earmarked in the 2025 state budget for the Perak Islamic Religious Department (JAIPk), which will support Islamic institutions, religious schools, and infrastructure upgrades.

An additional RM15 million is allocated for the construction and repair of mosques and suraus, while RM5 million is designated to strengthen Islamic education. Datuk Seri Saarani’s speech was delivered by State Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Khairudin Abu Hanipah at the closing ceremony of the 11th Sekolah Menengah Agama Malaysia Awards (MIISMAM) in Ulu Kinta.

Also in attendance was JAIPk Director Harith Fadzilah Abdul Halim. The MIISMAM, organised by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and state religious authorities, serves to highlight student talent in Quran recitation and memorisation, public speaking, calligraphy, nasyid, and group presentations. Selangor was named this year’s overall champion.