KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 – More than 2,300 tahfiz students have taken part in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes between 2023 and 2025, as the government works to expand career opportunities for religious school students.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said a total of 2,364 students had enrolled in skills training programmes at various TVET institutions during the period.
Ahmad Zahid, who chairs the National TVET Council (MTVET), also revealed that 900 tahfiz students had obtained Malaysian Skills Certification under the National Occupational Skills Standard (NOSS).
Of these, 609 students received Level 3 certification, while 285 achieved Level 4 and another six obtained Level 5 certification.
More institutions offer tahfiz skills training
The government has also expanded access to technical training through the Manpower Department (JTM).
Under the Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA), the number of institutions offering tahfiz TVET programmes increased from one in 2024 to four Advanced Technology Colleges (ADTEC).
The colleges are located in Selandar, Kepala Batas, Kuala Lumpur and Jerantut.
As of Aug 31, a total of 375 trainees were undergoing full-time certificate courses and micro-credential diploma programmes at these institutions.
Meanwhile, initiatives under the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) have also provided more opportunities for tahfiz students.
Since the Professional Huffaz Programme began at Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) in 2016, a total of 1,165 students have participated in related TVET programmes.
The initiative has since expanded to several institutions, including TVETMARA, GIATMARA, PERDA-TECH, Kolej KEDA and Kolej KETENGAH.
Students can also access short courses, modular training and degree-level programmes.
Community colleges expand training opportunities
The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) has introduced additional pathways through its Techno-Huffaz Programme at polytechnics and lifelong learning initiatives at community colleges.
As of October 2026, 1,216 tahfiz students had participated in TVET programmes at community colleges.
Of this number, 1,196 students attended 89 stand-alone micro-credential courses, while another 20 took part in professional skills courses.
The programmes aim to help students develop practical skills alongside their religious education.
Government addresses training challenges
However, Ahmad Zahid acknowledged that several challenges remain.
These include differences in students’ academic backgrounds and digital skills. Training providers also face difficulties in balancing skills courses with Quran memorisation schedules.
In addition, some rural institutions have limited training facilities and a shortage of qualified instructors.
To address these issues, the government plans to strengthen cooperation between ministries, government agencies and industry players.
It will also continue introducing flexible and modular training programmes to make skills development more accessible.
The broader goal is to produce professional huffaz who combine strong religious knowledge with technical skills and better employment opportunities.
Source : BERNAMA | Rewritten By Minutesmy
