Ahmad Zahid the Father of Tahfiz, Rightly Placed to Champion Welfare of Tahfiz Students’

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is the most appropriate figure to speak up for and defend the welfare of tahfiz students in Malaysia, given his significant role and long-standing contributions to the development of tahfiz education nationwide.

Lenggeng state assemblyman (ADUN) Datuk Mohd Asna Amin said the Minister of Rural and Regional Development deserves to be recognised as the “Father of Tahfiz of the Nation” for his consistent efforts in shaping the direction, empowerment and future of tahfiz students at all levels across the country.

He added that Ahmad Zahid’s extensive contributions to tahfiz education over the years demonstrate genuine concern that goes beyond rhetoric, translated instead into concrete policies and implementation.

“All tahfiz students in Malaysia are truly fortunate to have a ‘father’ who not only understands their needs but has consistently fought for recognition and a secure future for tahfiz education.

“One of Ahmad Zahid’s earliest contributions was the implementation of the Pre-Tahfiz Programme at Kemas kindergartens, where early childhood education was strengthened with memorisation of selected Quranic chapters as a foundation for character building and love for the Quran,” he said in a statement.

Mohd Asna explained that the programme requires memorisation of surahs from Juzuk 30, including al-Fatihah, an-Nas, al-Falaq, al-Ikhlas and several other short chapters.

“As a result, children as young as kindergarten age are already able to memorise and understand the basics of the Quran,” he said.

Previously, Sinar Harian reported that Ahmad Zahid hoped swift legal action would be taken against individuals found guilty of physically abusing tahfiz students.

The call followed viral videos allegedly showing an instructor hitting a student with a helmet, while in a separate incident, a student was seen writhing in pain after being repeatedly caned.

Ahmad Zahid stressed that such incidents do not represent the overall tahfiz education ecosystem in the country.

Commenting further, Mohd Asna said the upgrading of Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM) institutions into MRSM Ulul Albab schools also reflects Ahmad Zahid’s commitment to producing well-rounded huffaz who are knowledgeable and highly skilled.

He said the programme integrates the national curriculum with a strong emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), alongside Quran memorisation of up to 30 juzuk, as well as character and leadership development.

“Seeing the stronger academic performance and exemplary character of Ulul Albab students, Ahmad Zahid expanded the initiative to cover all 57 MRSMs nationwide,” he said.

Mohd Asna also described the Tahfiz Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET Tahfiz) initiative as a strategic move that provides broader opportunities for tahfiz students to acquire technical skills such as automotive, electronics and information technology without neglecting Quran memorisation.

“TVET Tahfiz graduates are not only huffaz, but also competent and competitive in the job market,” he said.

Commenting on Ahmad Zahid’s call for firm action against those who abuse tahfiz students, Mohd Asna said the stance is consistent with his long-standing struggle to protect the dignity and safety of tahfiz institutions.

“This is not an emotional statement, but the voice of a father who truly understands and defends the children of tahfiz in this country,” he said.