JAKIM SPTM 2026 Excellent Tahfiz Institution Recognition: Why MATAB Stands Among the Best Tahfiz Schools in Malaysia

Alhamdulillah. The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) has recognised Maahad Tahfiz Al-Quran Abu Bakar Kubang Gendang (MATAB) as an Institusi Tahfiz Cemerlang Berdasarkan Standard Pengiktirafan Tahfiz Malaysia (SPTM) Tahun 2026, an Excellent Tahfiz Institution under the Malaysia Tahfiz Recognition Standard (SPTM) 2026.

The recognition is set out in an official letter of congratulations from the Director General of JAKIM to MATAB's Principal. The letter is dated 27 October 2026 (16 Jamadilawal 1448H), reference JAKIM.600-1/3/5 JLD. 9 (21). You can see the letter in the gallery below.

According to paragraph 3 of the letter, the SPTM 2026 assessment covers five dimensions:

• governance (tadbir urus)
• curriculum and co-curriculum management (pengurusan kurikulum dan kokurikulum)
• student affairs (hal ehwal murid)
• assessment of teaching and learning (penilaian pengajaran dan pembelajaran)
• systematic and well-planned management of teaching staff (pengurusan tenaga guru yang sistematik dan terancang)

For parents, these five dimensions touch what matters every day: how the maahad is run, what is taught, how students are looked after, the quality of teaching and the teachers who teach your child.

This federal recognition from JAKIM comes alongside three other recognitions in 2026:

• Anugerah Sekolah Tahfiz Terbaik (Swasta) 2026, the Best Tahfiz School (Private) Award, from Yayasan Islam Kelantan (YIK), at the Himpunan Huffaz Rabbani Negeri Kelantan 1448 H.
• Maahad Tahfiz Terbaik (Zon Timur), Best Tahfiz School (East Zone), in the PERMATA AL-QURAN 2026 awards, in collaboration with the Majlis Agama Islam dan Adat Istiadat Melayu Kelantan (MAIK).
• A Sijil Penghargaan (certificate of appreciation) from YIK for a 100% SPM pass rate.

Many parents search for the best tahfiz school in Malaysia, or the best tahfiz school in Kelantan. No single answer suits every family. Official recognition from JAKIM and state bodies, though, gives you a pointer you can check for yourself.

MATAB was founded in 2016 by Al-Fadhil Ustaz Mohd Hanif bin Hasan Al-Hafiz. Today, boys study at the Kubang Gendang campus in Chetok, Pasir Mas. Girls study at the MATAB Lilbanat campus in Tanah Merah.

Studies at MATAB bring together three parts:

• Hafazan (memorising the Quran) of all 30 juz, with correct pronunciation and well-kept recitation quality.
• Diniah (religious studies) and Turath (classical Islamic texts).
• Mainstream academics on the KSSM curriculum up to SPM.

Students live in the hostel. Hostel life gives teachers room to guide the students' manners and character every day.

If you are choosing a tahfiz school for your child, here is what you can check at MATAB:

• Official recognition: Excellent Tahfiz Institution under SPTM 2026, from JAKIM.
• Recitation quality: hafazan is judged on correct pronunciation, not on how fast students memorise.
• Academics: KSSM up to SPM, with a certificate of appreciation from YIK for a 100% SPM pass rate.
• Hostel: separate campuses for boys and girls.
• A visit: you are welcome to visit the campus and meet the teachers before you enrol.

The 2027 intake, for children aged 11 to 13, is open until January 2027. The entry requirements, fees and the online application form are on the Registration page. Contact us by WhatsApp or phone to arrange a campus visit.

Thank you to JAKIM, our parents, teachers and students. May Allah bless our shared effort at this maahad.