SHAH ALAM – The Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) has declared it will take firm action against and shut down any private religious school in the state found involved in abuse, sexual harassment, or other actions that violate the core principles of Islam.
Jais director Datuk Mohd Shahzihan Ahmad, in a statement, said this approach is in accordance with Section 25 of the Control of Islamic Religious Schools Enactment 1988 (Amendment 2001), which allows for the termination of a school’s registration under Section 15 of the same law.
The warning was issued following a case involving four students at a tahfiz school in the capital, who were found with injuries believed to have been caused by physical and sexual abuse.
“The Islamic education system and school curriculum must be grounded in humane principles and compassion, aimed at shaping the Islamic character of students.
“Teachers, as knowledge facilitators, should create a learning environment where students genuinely embrace learning, show kindness, and respect educators, rather than one that instils fear and exploits them,” the statement said.
Shahzihan further explained that Section 8 of the enactment subjects private religious schools to prosecution for violations.
“Aside from criminal cases, parents and guardians can also file lawsuits to protect their children’s rights if proper treatment is not provided,” he added.
He also urged parents to stay vigilant in monitoring their children’s behaviour, noting that any sudden changes in attitude could be early indicators of problems that, if unaddressed, could harm their future.
Yesterday, Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa revealed that four male students from a tahfiz centre in Datuk Keramat, aged 13 to 14, were found in Bangi on Friday after going missing on Tuesday.
They were found with injuries suspected to have resulted from physical and sexual abuse. The students claimed they fled the centre due to intolerable conditions. – October 13, 2024