Penang increases monthly allowance for Kafa teachers starting July
Deputy Chief Minister I, Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, said Kafa headteachers will receive a higher allowance of RM1,600 compared to RM1,350 previously, marking a RM250 increment.
"During last year's state legislative assembly sitting, I announced that a comprehensive review was being carried out to strengthen Kafa education in Penang.
"This demonstrates the concern shown by the Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) and the state government for the welfare of Kafa educators.
"To appreciate Kafa teachers in Penang, I am pleased to share two announcements: the increase in allowance, and a special maternity assistance for female Kafa teachers appointed on or after January 1 this year, who are eligible for RM1,100 per month for two months during their maternity leave," he said in a Facebook post.
In addition, RM150,000 has been allocated to enhance training programmes for Kafa teachers in the state.
Mohamad, who is also MAINPP president, said these new measures will result in an additional financial commitment of RM4.2 million annually, raising the total Kafa allocation to RM8.5 million per year.
He also announced that all Kafa premises in Penang will return to a standardised five-day operational schedule starting July 1, a practice that had been halted for several years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In the education sector, he said MAINPP is increasing its education budget to RM35 million for 2024 and 2025, including introducing new scholarship allocations for Polytechnic and Form Six students.
"Last month, MAINPP also allocated RM6.5 million to distribute 8,740 tablet devices to 263 primary and secondary schools.
"This supports the goal of digitalising education and aims to bridge the digital divide among students by 2030," he added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
5 hours ago
- Malay Mail
‘Twice was enough': Dr Mahathir rules out return as PM even if Perikatan wins Putrajaya, says happy to advise
ALOR SETAR, July 18 — Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has reportedly said he has no intention of returning as prime minister for a third time should Perikatan Nasional (PN) assume federal power. The former prime minister, who just turned 100, said he is no longer suited to lead but would continue to offer his advice based on his decades of political experience. 'I'm old now, 100 years old. I can't deliver fiery speeches like I used to. I'm not trying to take the place of the younger generation. 'We welcome young people. I'm not looking to be prime minister again — twice was enough,' he was quoted saying by Sinar Harian at the Himpunan Mandat Negarawan rally here yesterday. 'But I do want to offer some advice because I've been prime minister for 24 years, and I've been in politics for over 80,' he added, Dr Mahathir claimed that a PN-led administration would be open to advice and capable of solving key issues such as poverty. 'If we change the government, we'll have a prime minister who is open to advice. I believe many problems can be solved, including the issue of poverty,' he said. He said tackling poverty should be a government priority and that PN could deliver on this. 'The government must prioritise solving the problem of poverty. PN can do this — PN can reduce poverty. That's our hope, and that's why we're holding this rally,' he said. The Himpunan Mandat Negarawan rally organised PN was a precursor to Turun Anwar, a larger event set for July 26 in Kuala Lumpur, aimed at pressuring Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to resign.
Malaysian Reserve
6 hours ago
- Malaysian Reserve
National sovereignty top priority in US trade negotiations
by AZALEA AZUAR FOREIGN Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan assured that national sovereignty will be a top priority in trade negotiations with the US. Following US President Donald Trump's announcement to impose new retaliatory tariffs on all Malaysian exports effective Aug 1, Mohamad said trade negotiations with the US are still in progress and the government is carefully and rationally presenting the value of maintaining bilateral relations. These discussions would also go beyond trade issues as they involve Malaysia's stance as a neutral nation and ASEAN member which upholds regional inclusivity. 'We want to ensure that our shared interests are well protected. These tariff negotiations must not harm our bilateral relations. 'Malaysia is a strategic partner to the US, as well as to other countries. Any attempt to divide us is unhealthy,' he said after presenting contributions in the Rantau state constituency yesterday. The US announced a 25% tariff of all Malaysian products, up by 1% from its initial decision, which is expected to strain Malaysia's export-reliant economy. It also raises concerns about the future of trade relations between the two countries. Earlier, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz assured that Malaysia will protect all its key sectors during the renegotiation of the tariff hike. The US Trade Representative (USTR) had previously labelled Malaysia's halal import rules as a trade barrier. Responding to comparisons with Indonesia's lower 19%, Mohamad stressed that negotiations should treat all countries fairly to preserve regional cooperation. 'We don't want this to be seen as a threat to our bilateral relationship. That's why the scope of negotiations should be broader — not just focused on trade but also on national sovereignty,' he said. Moreover, Bank Mualamat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid stressed that Malaysia should never compromise on its national interests. Doing so would cause the government to lose control over important fiscal and economic policies. National sovereignty must remain in the core principle when negotiating tariffs with the US and Malaysia should not succumb to investor pressure to dominate key sectors such as banking and utilities. 'The concern is that if we follow too much external influence, the government may lose control over its own policy decisions. Therefore, sovereignty must remain the main foundation in these negotiations,' he told Utusan Malaysia yesterday. Meanwhile, economist Prof Dr Barjoyai Bardai warned that Malaysia could lose up to RM30 billion in export value if the high tariff continues. However, he believed the impact will be short term if Malaysia actively seeks new markets and boosts trade ties with countries like China.
New Straits Times
12 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Zahid shrugs off critics, cements strategic ties in New Zealand
WELLINGTON: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has opted to remain focused on serving the people and the nation rather than paying heed to criticism levelled at him during his five-day working visit to New Zealand, which concludes today. He acknowledged that any initiative he undertook was often met with disapproval from the opposition — an inevitable facet of political life. "If it's something good, ask a friend. If it's not, ask an enemy. An enemy is someone who dislikes us. No matter what good we do, they will never see it as such. "Criticism is part and parcel of politics — whether one is a minister, deputy prime minister, or even the prime minister travelling abroad. Such cynicism should not be entertained. "What matters is the knowledge we gain in fields yet to be developed in our country, which we can explore and adapt for our benefit. "Don't be arrogant, don't be boastful, don't be conceited. These attitudes are damaging — particularly when such cynicism comes from those who claim to be deeply religious," he said at a press conference this morning summarising his visit. Also present were Malaysia's High Commissioner to New Zealand Mazita Marzuki and the Foreign Ministry's Secretary for the Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Oceania Division John K. Samuel. Reflecting on the outcomes of the visit, Zahid said numerous strategic collaborations were established — including those aimed at empowering the rights and welfare of the Indigenous community, as well as initiatives in halal industry development, education, agriculture, trade, and disaster management. He said that New Zealand had also expressed interest in joining the Asean Halal Council as an associate member, should Malaysia extend a formal invitation. The country is also expected to participate as an exhibitor at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas) in September. Zahid chairs the Malaysian Halal Industry Development Council. New Zealand, he said, had also requested an increase in Malaysia's pineapple exports to fill a shortfall in its domestic market. In response, he plans to raise the matter with Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu and instruct relevant state executive councillors in Selangor, Pahang, Johor and Melaka to scale up cultivation of the tropical fruit. During a meeting with the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand, Zahid said he received a request for the Quran to be translated into the Māori language. "They asked whether Malaysia could donate copies of the Quran in Māori. I have contacted the Restu Foundation to undertake the translation. The funding will not come from the government, but from individuals or relevant parties. "There are about 1,200 Māori Muslims. I believe this is a meaningful starting point to support them. With 96 mosques across the country, we will do what we can to assist," he said.
