Tahfiz centres need to register for the sake of students

He said the registration was not aimed at controlling these centres but would ensure they get the necessary aid from the government.

"Regardless of whether the institution is big, small or a pondok school...I urge tahfiz institutions which are not yet registered, to do so.

"It is not to control, but we want to look after the welfare of our children," he said in his speech at a gathering of 30,000 huffaz (Quran memorisers) organised by the Federation of National Associations of Quran Tahfiz Institutions (Pinta) at Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan, here on Saturday.

Also present were former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki and Pinta president Mohd Zahid Mahmood.

Ahmad Zahid said the government was commited to helping to develop tahfiz centres which produce students who are well-versed in the Quran and Islamic studies.

He said the government plans to produce about 125,000 huffaz in the country within the next 30 years.

"The country is thirsty for huffaz who are also economists, politicians, ministers, and even perhaps a prime minister who can represent Muslims and can take Malaysia and Islam to the world stage," he said.

Ahmad Zahid later performed the Maghrib and Hajat prayers with the huffaz from 650 religious schools throughout the country, to pray for the country''s well-being.