JASIN: The Melaka Islamic Religious Council (Maim) have granted permission to 14 unregistered tahfiz schools here to operate temporarily, following an inspection made at the centres recently.
Melaka Islamic Religious Council (Maim) deputy chairman Datuk Yaakub Md Amin however said that the permission to operate temporarily has only been granted up till the end of this year, with added safety requirements inposed.
“We have met with all unregistered tahfiz school operators state-wide and they have agreed to register themselves. I understand that a majority of the schools might not be able renovate their structure immediately.
“However, there are several ways to improve the safety measures of their schools for the time being.
“The schools must have fire hydrants and also an emergency exit at the back of their classrooms to be ready for any eventuality.
“With this, the Fire and Rescue Department and the local authorities can grant them permission to operate temporarily,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after launching the National Symposium on Halal Tourism and Hospitality Industry 2017 at the Merlimau Polytechnic, today.
Also present were Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) assistant head of Halal Division Mohd Fakarudin Masod; Director of Polytechnic Research and Innovation Centre, Dr Abdul Rahim Ahmad; and Director of Merlimau Polytechnic, Rashidah Mustapa.
Yaakub also noted that it was impossible for tahfiz operators to rebuild a new structure to be fully compliant with the specifications within a short period of time due to financial constraints.
“We want to help all tahfiz schools in the state here operate legally as soon as possible to ensure that the students’ classes are uninterrupted,” he said.
There are 53 tahfiz schools in the state. Yaakub said some are in the process of registering with Maim and obtaining operating permits from the state government.
“We want the best for our children. We are monitoring the schools closely with the help of the state Fire and Rescue Department,” said Yaakub.