MELAKA, Feb 21 (Bernama) -- The Melaka government, through the Melaka Islamic Religious Council (MAIM), has allocated RM11.77 million to carry out religious programmes and distribute aid in conjunction with this year’s Ramadan.

State Education, Higher Education and Religious Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Rahmad Mariman said among the initiatives is the Taqarrub Ramadan programme (religious programmes to enliven the month of Ramadan), which has been allocated RM563,000 and will benefit 800 selected mosques and surau.

“In addition, MAIM has allocated RM1.63 million for the Ihya Ramadan programme, where each mosque will receive RM3,000, while surau will receive RM1,200 to fund activities or cover utility bills.

“The remaining funds will be channelled as aid to asnaf (eligible zakat recipients), the underprivileged, and mualaf (new converts), as well as mosque committees and tahfiz institutions across the state,” he told reporters at the groundbreaking ceremony of Sekolah Rendah Agama (SRA) and Tadika Jabatan Agama Islam Melaka (JAIM) in Pasir Putih Bachang which was officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh.

Meanwhile, Ab Rauf said the state government has approved the construction of SRA JAIM and Tadika JAIM in Pasir Putih Bachang, with a total cost of RM6.5 million under the P22-JAIM Development allocation in the Melaka State Development Budget 2024.

“Construction is scheduled to begin in April and it is expected to be completed within two years. The project includes a two-story building with classrooms and various facilities, including a meeting room, surau, canteen and parking lots,” he said.

-- BERNAMA