Government to Restore and Improve Pondok Institutions
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 — The government has announced plans to restore and improve the nation’s pondok institutions, reinforcing their role in preserving the faith, morals, and character of the Muslim community. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized that these efforts will align with current needs by integrating modern technologies and upgrading facilities.
This initiative is a collaboration between the Ministry of Finance and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim). It aims to support religious schools and pondok institutions in poor condition by providing new infrastructure and incorporating digital tools such as information technology, digitalisation, and artificial intelligence.
“We want to add new technology, including information technology, digitalisation, and artificial intelligence, so that this bulwark remains the strongest one to defend the faith, morals, and character of the Ummah,” the Prime Minister said during the opening ceremony of the 65th International Al-Quran Recital and Memorisation Competition (MTHQA) at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre (WTCKL).
Historical Significance of Pondok Institutions
Prime Minister Anwar highlighted the historical importance of pondok institutions. Despite pressures on Malaysia’s political, economic, and educational systems during colonial times, these institutions remained steadfast in safeguarding the identity of the Muslim community.
In addition to this, the Prime Minister announced the upcoming launch of the Mushaf Ummah Program on August 8. This program is designed to promote the Quran and Islamic teachings globally through official translations into 30 languages.
“In all my travels around the world — to Peru, Brazil, France, Cambodia, and dozens of other countries — every time I visit, I bring the Quran along with a translation in that country’s language, and we distribute it officially. This, I believe, is a good approach,” he explained.
65th International Al-Quran Recital and Memorisation Competition
The 65th MTHQA runs from August 2 to 9, 2025, under the theme ‘Developing a MADANI Ummah’. It features 71 participants from 49 countries, with Malaysia represented by four contestants:
- Aiman Ridhwan Mohamad Ramlan (Perak) – Recital category
- Wan Sofea Aini Wan Mohd Zahidi (Terengganu) – Recital category
- Muhammad Adib Ahmad Rozaini (Perak) – Memorisation category
- Putri Auni Khadijah Mohd Hanif (Kelantan) – Memorisation category
Winners in each category will receive RM40,000 in cash. The runners-up will get RM30,000, and third place will receive RM20,000, along with jewelry sponsored by the Malaysian Islamic Economic Development Foundation (YaPEIM).
Conclusion
The government’s focus on upgrading pondok institutions reflects a commitment to blending tradition with technology to sustain the Muslim community’s values. By modernising these educational centers and expanding Quranic outreach globally, Malaysia aims to strengthen its cultural and religious foundations effectively.
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