The Malaysian Tahfiz Recognition Standard (SPTM) aims to strengthen Quranic education, with RM50,000 incentives for top-performing institutions
BAGAN DATUK: The government has launched a new national standard to elevate the quality of tahfiz education across Malaysia.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi launched the Malaysian Tahfiz Recognition Standard (SPTM) at a major gathering of 25,000 huffaz.
The SPTM will be implemented in stages beginning next year to strengthen tahfiz education and serve as a formal recognition mechanism.
Ahmad Zahid said the recognition of Quran memorisation is a catalyst for excellence in learning the holy book.
He announced an incentive of RM50,000 each for the 10 top-performing tahfiz institutions that meet the SPTM criteria.
The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) director-general Datuk Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee said the standard was developed in 2020.
He stated that quality control is crucial for driving management improvements in tahfiz institutions.
The standard encourages institutions to register with State Islamic Religious Authorities for better coordination.
Sirajuddin said the SPTM is a comprehensive guideline produced by scholars and education practitioners.
Five states have received approval to implement the SPTM starting next year.
Selangor, Perak, Penang, Melaka and Sarawak are the first states approved for implementation.
Nine other states are still in the process of preparing for the SPTM rollout.
Training workshops for tahfiz institution inspectors were conducted throughout 2025.
Assessment will begin with self-audits by states before a national evaluation panel reviews the top institutions.
The final stage involves awarding national recognition or ratings to institutions that meet the standards.
