SHAH ALAM, Oct 13 — The Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) will not hesitate to shut private religious schools in the state that are involved in abuse, sexual harassment, or actions that violate the fundamental principles of Islam.
Jais director Datuk Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad said this stance aligns with Section 25 of the Control of Islamic Religious Schools Enactment 1988 (Amendment 2001), which could result in the termination of the schools’ registration under Section 15 of the same enactment.
He issued the warning after four students at a tahfiz school in the capital were found injured, believed to be the result of physical and sexual abuse.
“The Islamic education system and curriculum implemented in schools must uphold humane principles and compassion to cultivate students’ Islamic character.
“Teachers, as facilitators of knowledge, should utilise the teaching and learning environment as a space for students to embrace knowledge sincerely, show kindness, and respect their educators, rather than fostering interactions that instil fear and exploit students,” he said in a statement today.
He said Section 8 of the enactment says private religious schools can be subject to prosecution.
“In addition to criminal cases, parents and guardians can also file suits to assert their children’s rights if they have not been treated well,” he added.
Shahzihan also urged parents to closely monitor their children’s development, particularly for any changes in attitude and behaviour, so potential issues can be identified early and not adversely impact their future.
Yesterday, Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa reported four students of a tahfiz centre in Datuk Keramat, who were found safe in Bangi on Friday after they were reported missing on Tuesday, had injuries suspected to be from physical and sexual abuse.
Rusdi said this was revealed after the boys were examined at Kuala Lumpur Hospital, and based on initial evidence, the students, aged 13 to 14, claimed to have had run away as they could not stand the conditions at the tahfiz centre.
— Bernama
