Its deputy minister, Lim Hui Ying, said the confusion arose when some NGOs expressed their concern over the implementation of the module, leading to speculation.

She reiterated that the implementation of the module would only involve Muslim teachers and students.

“So they (including the NGOs) need not worry. I understand their concern, but we at the ministry are ready to meet them and talk about it.

“Everyone knows that this ‘Hadith 40’ module is only for Muslim students and teachers. We at the ministry hope that this issue will not continue to be played up,” she told reporters after visiting SJKC Cheng Siu 1 and 2 here today.

Asked about the teacher shortage problem in SJKC and Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SJKT), Lim said the ministry was working to resolve the issue.

She said the ministry had obtained data in six states – Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kedah and Perlis – and would begin collecting data in Johor on Sept 7.

“The teacher shortage issue does not only involve SJKC and SJKT but also Sekolah Kebangsaan (national primary schools), especially in subjects like English, Bahasa Melayu and Islamic Education,” she said.