GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government has ordered for safety aspects at all Maahad Tahfiz in the state to be further enhanced following the fire at the Darul Quran Ittifaqiyah Tahfiz Centre in Datuk Keramat, Kuala Lumpur, this morning.
State Islamic Religious Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Malik Kassim said the state government viewed seriously the management of Maahad Tahfiz which failed to prioritise the safety aspects of its students.
"Stern actions will be taken against any Maahad Tahfiz which ignores this important aspect.
"We will not hesitate to revoke their licences or close down such errant Maahad Tahfiz," he said following ths morning's incident which claimed the lives of 23 people, including two wardens of the school.
Abdul Malik said stern action was warranted for the good of the students, as well as to protect the good name of religious institutions.
Abdul Malik said the state Islamic Religious Affairs Department, local authorities and the Fire and Rescue Department would meet with the management of all Maahad Tahfiz in the state soon to brief them on safety aspects.
He said the state government extended its condolences to the families of those who perished in the fire.
"This tragedy comes as a shock to all of us. Surely it will add to another black episode in the country's history," he stressed.