100 religious schools in Johor in ‘critical state’, need immediate repairs

 

Johor state executive councillor Fared Khalid said 150 to 200 of the 583 religious schools in the state had sought their help to carry out maintenance work. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: A total of 100 state government religious schools have been categorised as being in a “critical condition” and need to be repaired immediately, the Johor state assembly was told today.

Johor Islamic religious affairs committee chairman Fared Khalid said a school is categorised as critical when there are problems with the school’s wiring, roof and toilets.

This year, renovations were carried out at 50 religious schools at a cost of RM3 million, Bernama reported.

“The remaining 100 schools have not been renovated but we hope to repair them next year. This is expected to cost RM12 million,” Fared said.

He said these renovations were being carried out with the cooperation of various agencies, including the Johor Islamic Religious Council (MAINJ) and Johor Islamic Corporation.

Fared said the state government had received applications to help in the maintenance of 150 to 200 schools. They are part of the 583 religious schools operating in the state.

“Each of these applications will be evaluated, whether they are in the critical or non-critical categories,” he said when answering an oral question from Jefridin Atan (BN-Kukup) at the state assembly sitting.

Fared (BN-Semerah) said this year, the state government, through MAINJ, had allocated RM2.5 million to replace 9,370 pieces of furniture, including desks and chairs for students, as well as canteen tables and chairs, at 158 schools.

In response to an oral question from Abdul Aziz Talib (PN-Maharani), regarding vacancies in religious schools, Fared said the state government will appoint 300 teachers on grade DG29, with permanent status, next year.

“Another 295 teachers, on grade DG29 with contract status, will also be appointed next year.” - FMT