SEBERANG JAYA, Aug 29 2026 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today announced an additional RM4.6 million allocation to upgrade 27 Islamic educational institutions in Penang, while launching national programmes linking Quranic reflection with women’s skills and entrepreneurship.
Speaking at Masjid Al-Muhajirin in Seberang Jaya, Anwar said the funds would support infrastructure works including walls, fences, madrasahs, schools, kindergartens and tahfiz academies. The amount is more than double last year’s RM2.11 million allocation for 11 institutions in the state.
“Last year in Penang, we added more than RM2 million. This year, I announced RM4.6 million for people’s religious institutions,” he said at the National Tadabbur Perdana and Maidah Wanita MADANI programmes.
Anwar framed the initiatives as a response to Islamophobia through knowledge and wisdom rather than confrontation. He highlighted ongoing work to produce Quranic tafsir in 30 languages so that Islam’s message as a religion of mercy, knowledge and civilisation could be understood more widely.
The government is also strengthening the tadabur (contemplation) movement and the printing of Mushaf Malaysia MADANI, a hybrid Quran manuscript launched earlier this year that combines traditional calligraphy with QR codes for digital translations, tajwid guidance and STEM-related explanations.
The Maidah Wanita MADANI programme connects Quranic appreciation with practical skills in food preparation, entrepreneurship and digital marketing. Anwar said the initiative aims to help women empower themselves, increase household income and strengthen families and communities.
“We want Quranic appreciation translated into life, including empowering women with knowledge, skills and entrepreneurship, strengthening families and building a resilient society,” he said.
He added that Islamic education must keep pace with technology, including the use of artificial intelligence in Quranic studies, but stressed that technology must be guided by values and morality.
The event formed part of Anwar’s two-day working visit to Penang.
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