JOHOR BARU: Johor ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar has directed the state government to monitor the recent growth of private tahfiz schools in the state.

Sultan Ibrahim said that based on his observation, there were too many private tahfiz schools set up by individuals in the state lately.

The ruler said after setting up the schools, these individuals or founders would ask for donations from the public.

He also urged the state authorities to inspect the schools to ensure they have obtained the valid licences to operate.

"The tahfiz schools should be shut down immediately if they fail to comply with the regulations to operate," Sultan Ibrahim said in his royal address.

His Majesty said this during an event to mark the 100th anniversary of the Johor Islamic Religious Education system at Persada Johor InternationalConvention Centre here on Thursday (Sept 13).

Also present at the event were Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim and Mentri Besar Datuk Osman Sapian.