Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Government has allocated more than RM80 million to strengthen the education sector in the State through various initiatives under Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ).
State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif said the allocation marks an increase from RM70 million previously, in line with the Government’s commitment to strengthening education, including religious education.
“The State Government has also increased the scholarship fund to more than RM100 million to ensure more students have the opportunity to pursue higher education,” he said.
“This means there is no longer any excuse for our children not to continue their studies due to financial constraints, as various forms of assistance have been provided,” he added.
He said this when met after officiating the 2025 Mumtaz Student Awards Ceremony for the Lower Religious Certificate (SRU) and the Upper Religious Certificate (SMU) at Dewan Sa’adah, Wisma Muis, Wednesday.
Arifin, who is also State Religious Affairs Exco, said the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (Muis) contributes about RM40 million annually through zakat to support education, particularly in religious studies.
He said the Government is also prioritising teacher welfare, including increasing the number of teachers and upgrading posts to strengthen the State’s religious education system.
“The improvement in student performance in SRU and SMU reflects the effectiveness of continuous efforts by the Government and relevant agencies in strengthening religious education,” he said.
During the event, Nur Aliya Raju Karno from Sekolah Agama Negeri (SAN) Pekan Beaufort received the Best SRU Student Award with a score of 98 per cent, while Balqis Nur Danisha Bahri from Sekolah Menengah Agama Negeri (SMAN) Toh Puan Hajjah Rahmah was named Best SMU Student with 94.68 per cent.
Meanwhile, SMAN Kunak student Muhammad Faezz Hakim Rahim received recognition as the best student in the Tahfiz stream.
Also present were Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Isnin Aliasnih @ Liasnih and Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs Department (Jheains) Director Awang Juri Awg Tahir.
