Allowance doubled for FT religious teachers

The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: The allowance for teachers at religious primary schools (Sekolah Rendah Agama SRA) and Fardu Ain classes (KAFA) in the Federal Territory will be doubled next year.

The increase, to between RM1,000 and RM1,200 a month, would be effective from Jan 1, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said the current allowance of about RM500 a month had not been increased since 22 years ago and that the increase was made due to the current inflation rate.

The increase was also aimed at appreciating and recognising their (religious teachers) contributions, he told reporters after presenting certificates to children attending kindergartens under the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Department (JAWI) and the Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) on Wednesday.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also MAIWP chairman, said it was only appropriate that the allowance of the religious teachers be increased considering the higher collection by MAIWP of almost RM200 million a year.

He said other states should also follow MAIWP's example by increasing the allowance of their religious teachers.

In a related development, Ahmad Zahid said 625 kindergarten teachers would be needed in the Federal Territory over the next five years, adding that there were currently 278 teachers. - Bernama