Headmasters, administrators of Maahad Tahfiz urged to portray best image of Islam

All headmasters and administrators of Quran memorisation schools (Maahad Tahfiz) should portray the best image of Islam and prioritise students' safety in whatever situation to avoid untoward incidents, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, said prioritising safety and not paying lip service to the matter would boost the image of religion and the 'madrasah' institution in the country.

He said road accidents, fire and hysteria cases involving religious schools had to some extent smeared the religion in the eyes of society.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Bagan Datuk Member of Parliament, cited as an example the mishap which killed seven of 12 students of Kampung Tualang Al-Hashimi Tahfiz in Kuala Krai yesterday saying it was truly a sad incident and one which should never happen again.

"True we leave it in the hands of Allah, true we accept and surrender such matters to fate, but it could have been avoided if safety measures had been taken earlier.

"The Maahad Tahfiz institution must uphold the trust of parents who sent their children to study religious knowledge.

"If we are in a state of preparedness, how could a Maahad Tahfiz catch fire when safety features are given importance and the (requirement of the) certificate of fitness is met," he said.

He said this at the launching of the 2017 National-Level Malaysia Islamic Economic Development Foundation Malaysia's (YaPEIM) Ramadan SPM & UPSR Inspiration Programme here tonight.

Also present was Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom.

During the event, Ahmad Zahid also handed over YaPEIM's cash contribution of RM680,000 to be distributed to 12,600 orphans from 12 districts, which were represented by their respective district officers.

Ahmad Zahid also reminded that the time had come for tahfiz schools to bring back their good image as religious education institutions after several fatal incidents prior to this.

-- BERNAMA