Onn Hafiz frequently receives reports on the condition of religious schools in the state.
MB says this can help fund building maintenance
SCHOOLS in Johor should look at how Chinese vernacular schools source maintenance funds from the private sector, says Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.
The Mentri Besar said he had visited many schools in the state and there was no denying that Chinese schools were the best at maintaining their buildings.
“Chinese schools get financial allocation from the government but at the same time, they also receive help from entrepreneurs who are their former students,” he said in his speech during a state-level celebration for Islamic religious teachers in Ulu Tiram.
“This is why I am suggesting that schools including religious schools in Johor set up alumni associations.
“Sekolah Tun Fatimah and English College (Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar) have initiated (such alumni association) and within three to four months, they were able to raise about RM1mil from their former students,” he said.
Onn Hafiz, who is also Machap assemblyman, added that he frequently received reports from state Islamic religious affairs committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid about the condition of religious schools in Johor.
He added that by having such alumni associations, religious schools could raise much needed funds to maintain their buildings besides requesting for allocations through the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) or Johor Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ).
He said many people wanted to strengthen the role of religious schools in Johor but did not know the proper way to do so.
“There are many successful Johoreans who want to help their former schools.
“Having an alumni association will give them a channel for this,” he said.
Onn Hafiz added that his administration would continue to allocate funds to help strengthen religious teaching at all 582 state government Islamic religious schools in Johor.
He said through the 2024 Johor Budget, the state government had allocated millions of ringgit to improve not only religious schools but also the welfare of more than 5,000 Islamic religious teachers in the state.
Onn Hafiz added that this included their salaries and allowances.
He also said religious schools in Johor would soon be equipped with WiFi and incorporate technology such as smart televisions and tablets.
“The world is changing due to technology.
“I do not want to see the schools become a mere spectator to this,” he added.
