PUTRAJAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged tahfiz schools to register despite having difficulties in meeting conditions set by Islamic state department.
Zahid said the Fire and Rescue Department had revealed that there were about 1,000 tahfiz schools nationwide, but only 612 schools were registered.
"I urge tahfiz institutions nationwide to register as soon as possible although they have difficulties in meeting the safety standards and conditions set by the Islamic state department.
"The conditions are not meant to burden them but to ensure their safety. When safety features are in place, it will help them during emergencies, especially when fire breaks out.
"The government is always committed and proactive in protecting the tahfiz students. We don't wait until accidents happen," he told reporters after presenting 1,836 fire extinguishers and safety kits to tahfiz schools at Perdana Putra here.
Earlier, Zahid chaired the tahfiz Institutions Task Force meeting, where they agreed to install closed circuit televisions at 612 registered tahfiz schools in stages.
Zahid said tahfiz schools were also required to have fire drill at least once a year.