Malaysia allocates funds to Islamic and mission schools

In Malaysia, over RM22 million has been allocated to 309 Islamic educational institutions, including People's Religious Schools (SAR), for maintenance and upgrades through April 2026. Deputy Minister Marhamah Rosli stated that these funds aim to ensure facilities are safe and conducive to learning. Assistance is not automatic; institutions must apply through the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) in coordination with state authorities. The government has also earmarked RM200 million in the 2027 Budget to support SAR, tahfiz institutions, and pondok schools.

Separately, the Sarawak government has increased its financial assistance to mission schools by RM10 million, bringing the total to RM30 million for 2026. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas announced that RM20 million is designated for physical development, while RM10 million is allocated for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs. This initiative, managed under the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), aims to improve academic performance in subjects like English and Mathematics to help students qualify for the Sarawak government’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme.