By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
SHAH ALAM, July 11 — Private religious schools can apply to become Government-Assisted Religious Schools (SABK) to the Education Ministry, said the state executive councillor for Islamic affairs and innovation Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah.
He said that since private religious schools are built as commercial ventures, it is not compulsory for them to apply and become SABKs.
“At present, there are 24 SABKs in Selangor, and the state government encourages these private religious schools to become SABKs. Applications to become an SABK must be made by the schools themselves to the Education Ministry.
“The state government, via the Selangor Islamic Religious Department, acts as a facilitator between the schools and the ministry to assist with the application process,” Fahmi said.
He was responding to Sijangkang state assemblyman Datuk Ahmad Yunus Hairi during the Selangor State Legislative Assembly session today.
Fahmi added that private religious schools can return the administration to the state government if they do not turn a profit.
“It is indeed the state government's jurisdiction to administer and refurbish dilapidated SABKs and, at the same time, use development funds for maintenance needs.
“However, if a private school that applied for SABK status does not prove profitable, it can be returned the state government to be resolved with the ministry as both have their own jurisdictions,” he said.
