Jakim allocates RM21.5 million to Melaka government this year - Asyraf Wajdi

The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) has allocated RM21.5 million for the payment of allowances to mosque officials, Quran and Fardu Ain (KAFA) class teachers in Melaka this year.

Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said of the amount, RM15.87 million was for KAFA teachers, RM4.08 million for 'imam' and RM1.56 million for 'guru takmir' (preachers).

"A total of RM149,500 was allocated for 151 'bilal' and 148 'siak.'

"This allocation is the government's commitment as enshrined in the constitution that Islam is the religion of the federation and efforts to uphold the teachings and tenets of Islam is a priority," he told reporters after attending the 'Multaqa Murabbi Ummah'(Islamic learning conference), here today.

The amount is part of the allocation announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in the 2017 Budget in October last year.

The conference, which was opened by Melaka Islamic Council deputy chairman Datuk Yaakub Md Amin was also attended by Jakim director-general Tan Sri Othman Mustapha.

Meanwhile, Ashraf Wajdi said the government was trying to make a success of the National Transformation 2050 (TN50) agenda via initiatives involving Islamic education, economics, politics, art and culture.

The government also introduced the 'manhaj wasatiyyah' (moderation as a way of life) as a framework for national development based on the Quran and the 'sunnah,' inline with the plural Malaysian society. -BERNAMA