Data on Asatizahs under Asatizah Recognition Scheme
Ministry of Social and Family DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap's inquiry into the profile and disciplinary records of asatizahs under the Asatizah Recognition Scheme (ARS). Minister Masagos Zulkifli B M M stated that 4,945 asatizah are recognised, with two-thirds being female and approximately half aged 36 or below. He noted that 60% hold degrees or diplomas in Islamic studies, while 40 asatizah receive zakat assistance and 500 others were supported during COVID-19. Since 2017, 33 asatizah have been disciplined, with 18 removed from the roll due to ethical misconduct or doctrinal issues. These measures ensure that certified religious teachers meet mandatory qualifications and the ARS Code of Ethics to maintain professional standards.
Transcript
52 Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked the Minister for Social and Family Development and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs (a) as at 31 December 2020, what is the number of asatizahs under the Asatizah Recognition Scheme; (b) what is the profile of these asatizahs according to gender, age and educational attainment; (c) how many asatizahs have been financially assisted through zakat; (d) how many asatizahs have been disciplined; and (e) how many asatizahs have been struck off the roll and why.
Mr Masagos Zulkifli B M M: There are 4,945 asatizah recognised under the Asatizah Recognition Scheme (ARS).
About 60% of the ARS-recognised asatizah have degree or diplomas in Islamic studies, while the remaining 40% are Quranic reading teachers with qualifying certificates.
Female asatizah comprise about two-thirds of all ARS recognised asatizah. About half of the asatizah are aged 36 or below, while just over 10% are above 65 years of age.
Currently, about 40 of these asatizah are financially assisted through zakat. During the COVID-19 period, an additional 500 asatizah received financial assistance from Pergas' Gracious Package, which was supplemented by MUIS.
The ARS ensures our asatizah, as certified religious teachers, have proper religious qualifications and meet the ARS Code of Ethics. Since ARS was made mandatory in January 2017, 33 Tier 1 and Tier 2 asatizah have been disciplined. Out of these, 18 asatizah have been removed from the ARS due to ethical misconduct and/or doctrinal issues.