SUNGAI PETANI: The rampant use of social media in spreading false information and provocation by Islamic liberal groups are among the new challenges that religious teachers need to face when it comes to educating Muslim children.
As the answer to this, Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah has urged religious teachers to equip themselves with the latest form of technology so that they can help pass on correct information on social media platforms.
“Different challenges need different kind of approaches. If we know how to use the Internet and the latest form of communication, it can help us spread correct information faster,” he said in his speech during the state-level Multaqa Murabbi Ummah here today.
He also added different political beliefs can cause a split among Muslims and here as well, the teachers play a vital role in instilling and promoting unity among Muslims.
On a different note, Bashah said the government is serious in upholding and defending religious institutions by increasing the existing allowance for imam, bilal, siak and also religious teachers.
He said more than 1,000 imam, bilal, siak and takmir, as well as Al-Quran and Fardhu Ain Classes (Kafa) teachers in Kedah would benefit from the allowance increase.
“For this year, the Federal government has allocated about RM50 million for the imam, bilal, siak and religious teachers in the state,” he said.
Also present at the event was the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom.