{
  "id": 15178121,
  "title": "Govt allocates RM3.1b under 2027 Budget for Islamic development",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/govt-allocates-rm3-1b-under-2027-budget-for-islamic-development",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-17T10:52:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1557587/govt-allocates-rm31b-under-2027-budget-islamic-development"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Malaysian government has allocated RM3.1 billion under the 2027 Budget to bolster Islamic development, as announced by Dr Zulkifli Hasan, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs). The majority, 85.4%, of this allocation is designated for operational expenses, while the remaining 14.6% will be used for development purposes. This increase underscores the government's commitment to elevating Islam's status and benefiting society. Among the key beneficiaries are community religious schools, tahfiz institutions, and traditional Islamic boarding schools, which will receive RM200 million in support. Additionally, the government plans to provide a special contribution of RM750 to 70,000 religious personnel, including teachers and other staff, recognizing their contributions. Furthermore, 500 KAFA teachers who cater to students with special needs, including those using sign language or the Braille Quran, will receive a monthly incentive of RM150. The government is also ensuring the well-being of religious personnel by covering Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) contributions for 40,000 imams, bilals, tok siaks, mosque staff, and takmir teachers. The Pilgrims Fund Board (Tabung Haji) will manage this aspect. Zulkifli Hasan revealed that amendments to the Road Transport Act, which mandates financial compensation for drivers under the influence, align with the Islamic legal concept of diyat. The government is strengthening the halal industry by offering matching grants of up to RM5,000 for MSMEs seeking halal certification for the first time, with an additional RM25,000 for those in high-potential sectors like cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. In the realm of Islamic education, Jakim and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) are collaborating to provide digital devices and skills training to over 300 pondok schools nationwide. These initiatives reflect the government's holistic approach to development, focusing on nurturing a knowledgeable, ethical, and prosperous society.",
  "summary": "PUTRAJAYA: The Madani government has increased the allocation for religious affairs to RM3.1 billion under the 2027 Budget to strengthen Islamic development, including the empowerment of religious educational institutions and safeguarding the welfare of religious personnel nationwide.",
  "key_points": [
    "RM3.1 billion allocated under 2027 Budget for Islamic development",
    "85.4% for operational expenses, 14.6% for development",
    "500 KAFA teachers receive RM150 monthly incentive"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "General : Government Allocates RM3.1 Billion Under Budget 2027 For Islamic Development",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/general-government-allocates-rm3-1-billion-under-budget-2027-for",
        "published": "2026-10-17T09:04:03.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Budget 2027: Islamic affairs gets RM3.1b, as minister outlines support for ‘pondok’ schools, imams and halal SMEs",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/budget-2027-islamic-affairs-gets-rm3-1b-as-minister-outlines-support",
        "published": "2026-10-17T11:23:08.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}