Pahang police chief Abd Jalil Hassan said the victim, who had been studying there since mid-October, was understood to be receiving more attention than the others from the couple who operated the tahfiz centre.
“The victim, who was the youngest student there, is also known to be friendly and affectionate with the couple. This is believed to have caused jealousy among the other students, leading to a quarrel,” he said when contacted here today.
Jalil said an autopsy at Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Hospital in Temerloh yesterday confirmed Aimin’s death was due to blunt force trauma to his chest and abdomen.
He said three 13-year-old tahfiz students were detained to assist with investigations into Aimin’s death. They have been remanded until next Thursday.
Aimin was reported to have died while receiving treatment at the Lanchang Health Clinic in Temerloh at 1.20pm on Thursday.
Aimin was taken to the clinic by the wife of the tahfiz centre operator, who found the victim in a weakened state when she went to wake the victim up for Zohor prayers.
Initial checks revealed there were bruises on the body of the victim, who was believed to be studying at the tahfiz centre with his stepbrother.
The tahfiz centre, which is yet to be registered with the Pahang Islamic Religious Department (JAIP), is located in Kampung Kuala Kaung, Lanchang. It is understood to have been operating since early last year, with only four of its 14 students living in the dormitory.
‘Stricter monitoring needed’
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail today spoke of the need for stricter monitoring of tahfiz schools.
She said the related laws would have to be tightened to ensure these tahfiz centres were registered.
“We will look into a holistic approach to the management and implementation of these centres as they have different governance practices and organisational structures.
“We need to enhance monitoring but we should not leave this to the authorities alone.
“Those intending to send their children to tahfiz schools must at least check first if the centre is registered or suitable. They should cooperate with us so that we are aware,” she told reporters when met after the Maulidur Rasul 1441H/2019 celebration at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil here today.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Mujahid Yusof Rawa also urged parents to be more vigilant when choosing tahfiz centres to ensure the safety of their children.
He said, most importantly, parents should make sure that the centre is registered.
“When the schools are registered, they will have to comply with regulations and we are aware of the syllabus, teaching staff and its management.
“Parents make the selection. If they are just looking for a dumping ground to leave their children … eventually the institution of tahfiz schools will no longer be respected,” he said when met during the Maulidur Rasul 1441H/2019 celebration.
He said not all tahfiz centres have a bad record and parents should be concerned about the welfare, safety and educational aspects.