THE CHALLENGE OF MANAGING THE SOCIAL MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE’S RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (SAR) IN SUSTAINING THE MAIN CURRICULUM IDENTITY: A STUDY IN KEDAH AND KELANTAN

Sekolah agama rakyat (SAR) has long been an important institution in the education system in Malaysia, especially in states such as Kedah and Kelantan. SAR was established to provide in-depth religious education to students in addition to the standard academic curriculum. Since its inception, SAR has played an important role in forming a young generation with religious and complex knowledge. However, there are various challenges that can not only affect the quality of education provided but can also create difficulties in maintaining the identity of their main curriculum. Thus, this study was conducted to identify and analyze the challenges faced by the social education movements of Sekolah Agama Rakyat (SAR) in Kedah an d Kelantan in an effort to maintain their main curriculum identity. This study uses a qualitative approach based on thematic analysis that involves in-depth interviews with six informants from two target groups in Kedah and Kelantan. The results of the study show that SAR faces several major challenges including a lack of financial resources, complex relationship with the government, as well as inefficient management and coordination. However, SAR managed tro maintain their main curriculum identity through various strategies such as community involvement, innovation in teaching, and curriculum adaptation. In addition to making a meaningful contribution to existing knowledge, this study suggests that stakeholders provide more comprehensive support to SAR to ensure the continuity and effectiveness of religious education in Malaysia.