Fadhlina: SMKA Jempol to become first TVET religious school in Malaysia

SMKA Jempol, a Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama (SMKA) in Jempol, will become Malaysia's first Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) religious-stream school. The RM98 million school is being built on a 14.22-hectare site over three years as part of the 12th Malaysia Plan. Education Minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek officiated the groundbreaking ceremony, stating that SMKA Jempol will be the first of its kind in the country.

The fully residential school will be equipped with an administration block, an academic block with 25 classrooms, laboratories, workshops, a library, hall, canteen, prayer hall, and other facilities. Additionally, a hostel will be constructed with a capacity to house 720 students. Fadhlina emphasized that the school will also focus on language mastery, encouraging students to learn Malay as well as other languages like Chinese, Tamil, English, and Arabic to strengthen the dakwah agenda.

The ministry places high importance on character development and values such as trustworthiness and integrity among students to equip them with the necessary skills to face current challenges. While academic achievement is essential, education should also encompass intellectual development, reading culture, and leadership with integrity. Religious schools are encouraged to implement programs like Nadwah Kepimpinan Islam to produce future leaders with strong moral values and a sense of religious responsibility.

Fadhlina expressed her hope that the SMKA Jempol project will be completed within the stipulated timeframe so that TVET education can be promptly introduced to meet both industry and national needs.