Profiling the Demographic and Financial Readiness of Parents and Guardians of Tahfiz Graduates in Malaysia’s Fast Track Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) Programme

Profiling the Demographic and Financial Readiness of Parents and Guardians of Tahfiz Graduates in Malaysia’s Fast Track Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) Programme

Roszi Naszariah Nasni Naseri¹* Nur Hafidzah Idris²

¹Faculty of Business and Management University Technology MARA, Alor Gajah Campus, Malaysia

²Faculty of Business and Management University Teknologi MARA, Bandaraya Melaka Campus, Malaysia

*Corresponding Author

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.90900093

Received: 20 August 2025; Accepted: 28 August 2025; Published: 30 September 2025

ABSTRACT

This study profiles the demographic characteristics and financial readiness of parents and guardians whose children, graduates of tahfiz schools, are enrolled in Malaysia’s Fast Track Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) programme. Adopting a quantitative descriptive survey design, data were collected from 139 respondents through structured questionnaires distributed via official school WhatsApp groups. Stratified random sampling ensured representation across different income categories. Findings reveal that most respondents are middle-aged, primarily based in Selangor, and concentrated in the lower- to middle-income brackets. A significant proportion reported needing financial assistance, with only moderate awareness of available sponsorship opportunities. Many perceived the programme fees as burdensome compared to previous tahfiz school costs. The results highlight the need for flexible payment schemes, targeted subsidies, and improved communication strategies to enhance sponsorship awareness. These measures are essential to sustaining enrolment and ensuring that tahfiz graduates can obtain formal academic qualifications without undue financial hardship.

Keywords– Fast Track Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), Tahfiz Education, Profiling, Educational Sponsorship, Malaysia

INTRODUCTION

In Malaysia, the Fast Track SPM programme has emerged as a critical educational pathway for tahfiz graduates to obtain formal academic qualifications alongside their religious credentials (Adnan et al., 2023). These programmes are particularly important for graduates from private tahfiz institutions that operate without an integrated academic curriculum, as they offer a bridge to mainstream education and the acquisition of the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) certificate. The ability to sit for the SPM not only expands students’ future academic and career prospects but also aligns with national education objectives of producing well-rounded graduates with both religious and secular knowledge (Kasmuri et al., 2023). However, the sustainability of these programmes depends heavily on consistent financial contributions from parents or guardians, given that tuition fees are a primary source of operational funding.

Despite their importance, Fast Track SPM providers have reported recurring issues with delayed or failed tuition payments, which significantly strain operational budgets (Bin Huslan & Bin Mohd Noh, n.d.). Since these institutions often lack substantial endowments or government subsidies, interruptions in cash flow can lead to reduced teaching resources, delayed salary payments for educators, and limitations in upgrading learning facilities. The problem is compounded in smaller or newly established centres, where financial resilience is limited and reliance on tuition fees is absolute (Adnan et al., 2023). For many programme providers, the instability caused by inconsistent payments undermines their ability to deliver high-quality education consistently.

One significant factor contributing to payment difficulties is the perception among some parents that Fast Track SPM fees are higher than the costs they previously incurred when sending their children to private tahfiz schools (Fadillah & Rahim, 2022). This perception, whether accurate or not, can generate resistance to timely payments, particularly among households with limited disposable income. While parents may prioritise their children’s education, the transition from a lower-fee religious schooling environment to a relatively higher-fee integrated academic programme can impose a sudden and unfamiliar financial burden (Rahman & Alias, 2020). The lack of clear communication regarding fee structures and the breakdown of costs may further exacerbate negative perceptions.

Financial strain among parents is also influenced by broader socio-economic realities. Research on parental decision-making in religious schooling contexts has shown that household income, job stability, and access to financial aid are key determinants of continued enrolment and payment compliance (Fadillah & Rahim, 2022; Surgi, 2018). In Malaysia, income disparities remain pronounced, and families in the lower-income bracket often face competing financial obligations, such as housing, healthcare, and other children’s education costs. Without targeted subsidies or flexible payment schemes, these households are more likely to default on tuition, even when they value the educational benefits of the programme (Bin Huslan & Bin Mohd Noh, n.d.).

A further challenge lies in the limited empirical data available on the socio-economic profiles of parents and guardians participating in Fast Track SPM programmes. Without such data, programme providers lack the evidence base needed to design effective interventions, such as tiered fee systems, targeted financial assistance, or awareness campaigns about available sponsorships (Kasmuri et al., 2023). Most existing studies on tahfiz education focus on curriculum development, pedagogical quality, and religious outcomes, leaving a gap in research on the financial behaviours and constraints of the parent demographic (Adnan et al., 2023). This gap inhibits the ability of stakeholders to advocate for policy support or to engage effectively with funding bodies.

Recognising these challenges, this study aims to fill the knowledge gap by profiling the demographic and financial characteristics of parents and guardians whose children are enrolled in Fast Track SPM programmes. By identifying patterns in age, income, financial readiness, and awareness of sponsorship opportunities, the study can inform the development of more responsive and sustainable funding models. Such insights could guide the creation of flexible payment structures, targeted subsidies, and outreach initiatives to increase awareness of financial aid options. Ultimately, this approach would not only improve payment compliance but also ensure that tahfiz graduates continue to have access to this crucial educational bridge into Malaysia’s mainstream academic system (Rahman & Alias, 2020).

LITERATURE REVIEW

Past research has consistently shown that parents’ educational choices are shaped by multiple factors, including the direct cost of education, the quality of the institution, and the perceived benefits for their children’s future (Fadillah & Rahim, 2022; Rahman & Alias, 2020). Cost considerations often go beyond tuition fees, encompassing ancillary expenses such as transportation, uniforms, extracurricular activities, and supplementary learning resources. When these costs are perceived to outweigh the benefits, parents may hesitate to enrol their children, even in programmes they value. Conversely, when the perceived benefits such as enhanced career opportunities or moral development are strong, parents are often willing to make financial sacrifices to secure such educational opportunities (Fadillah & Rahim, 2022).

In the context of tahfiz education, the integration of academic and religious curricula has been shown to be a major attraction for parents seeking a holistic learning environment (Kasmuri et al., 2023). This dual approach not only preserves religious knowledge but also equips students with competencies needed for mainstream academic progression. However, the operational costs of delivering such integrated programmes are significantly higher than those of conventional single-stream institutions. Additional costs are incurred in hiring qualified teachers for both academic and religious subjects, acquiring specialised learning materials, and maintaining suitable infrastructure for dual curricula. These increased costs inevitably impact tuition fees, which may lead to affordability concerns among parents from lower-income households (Adnan et al., 2023).

Financial readiness has emerged as a recurring challenge in sustaining enrolment in educational programmes, particularly those that combine religious and academic instruction. Bin Huslan and Bin Mohd Noh (n.d.) highlight that many parents in tahfiz school settings rely on partial subsidies, donations, or flexible payment plans to meet tuition obligations. Without such financial arrangements, the risk of payment default rises, directly affecting institutional stability. Furthermore, a lack of awareness or understanding of available financial aid schemes can exacerbate these challenges, leaving parents to shoulder the full financial burden unnecessarily (Fadillah & Rahim, 2022).

Beyond cost and curriculum, parental decision-making is also influenced by perceptions of leadership quality and institutional excellence (Surgi, 2018). Effective school leadership can inspire confidence in parents by ensuring high academic standards, transparent financial management, and a safe, supportive learning environment. Conversely, perceptions of weak leadership or poor institutional management can deter enrolment, regardless of a programme’s academic merits. In the case of Fast Track SPM programmes, leadership plays a crucial role in communicating the value proposition of the programme, fostering trust, and addressing misconceptions about fee structures or learning outcomes (Rahman & Alias, 2020).

Despite these insights, there is a notable gap in the literature specifically examining Fast Track SPM programmes for tahfiz graduates. Most existing studies focus on traditional tahfiz schooling or integrated Islamic education, with limited empirical work exploring the socio-economic realities of parents choosing to enrol their children in accelerated academic pathways (Adnan et al., 2023). This lack of targeted research leaves critical questions unanswered, particularly regarding the extent to which parents are financially prepared for such programmes and their level of awareness about sponsorship opportunities (Kasmuri et al., 2023). Understanding these factors is essential for designing financial support mechanisms that are both equitable and sustainable.

Addressing this research gap is particularly important in the post-pandemic educational landscape, where economic disruptions have affected household incomes and altered educational priorities (Adnan et al., 2023). The financial shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic have disproportionately affected low to middle-income families, potentially increasing the need for financial assistance in educational settings. By investigating the financial capacity and sponsorship awareness of parents in Fast Track SPM programmes, this study aims to contribute valuable empirical data that can inform both institutional practices and policy interventions. Such insights can guide the development of targeted outreach, flexible payment models, and enhanced communication strategies to ensure the accessibility and long-term viability of these programmes.

METHODOLOGY

Research Design

This study adopted a quantitative descriptive survey design to collect data on parents’ demographic profiles, financial readiness, and perceptions of programme fees. The descriptive approach was selected because it enables researchers to capture patterns, frequencies, and relationships within a population without manipulating variables (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). By focusing on quantifiable indicators such as age, income, and sponsorship awareness, the design allowed for systematic analysis of the socio-economic characteristics of parents in the Fast Track Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) programme.

Population

The population for this study comprised parents and guardians of students enrolled in selected Fast Track SPM schools. This group was chosen because they represent the direct financial decision-makers for the students and are best positioned to provide accurate information regarding household income, perceptions of fees, and readiness to support their children’s education (Rahman & Alias, 2020). These individuals also play a central role in determining whether their children remain enrolled in the programme, making their perspectives critical to understanding programme sustainability.

Sample

A stratified random sampling technique was employed to ensure proportional representation across different household income categories low, middle, and high income. Stratification by income group was essential, given that financial readiness was a central variable in the study (Etikan & Bala, 2017). From the target population, 139 respondents were selected to participate. This sample size was deemed adequate for descriptive analysis and to provide a reasonable level of generalisability to similar programme contexts in Malaysia (Bryman, 2016).

Data Collection

Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire comprising three sections: (1) demographic profile, (2) perceptions of fees, and (3) expectations of the programme. The instrument was distributed via the schools’ official WhatsApp groups, which was selected for its accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and ability to reach respondents quickly (Wahyuni, 2012). The use of digital distribution allowed participants to respond at their convenience, reducing time constraints and improving the overall response rate.

The primary data collection sites were Fast Track SPM schools located in Selangor, with additional respondents from Kuala Lumpur, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, and Sabah. Selangor was chosen as the main collection site because it hosts the largest number of Fast Track SPM providers and has a high concentration of tahfiz graduates transitioning into academic programmes (Kasmuri et al., 2023). Furthermore, Selangor’s socio-economic diversity offers a representative cross-section of parental income levels and educational priorities, making it an ideal setting for capturing varied perspectives. Including respondents from other states helped ensure that the study also reflected experiences from both urban and semi-urban environments.

Data Analysis

The collected responses were coded and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, were employed to summarise patterns in demographic characteristics, income levels, and perceptions of financial burden. This approach was appropriate for profiling the sample and identifying key trends that could inform recommendations for financial support mechanisms (Bryman, 2016).

RESULTS

Table 1. presents the demographic and financial preparedness profile of respondents.

DISCUSSION

The findings indicate that the majority of parents or guardians in the study are middle-aged, with a large proportion falling within the 41–50 age range. This age demographic is often associated with having multiple financial commitments, such as housing loans, children’s tertiary education, and elderly care for aging parents (Rahman & Alias, 2020). As a result, even when parents value the educational benefits of the Fast Track SPM programme, competing financial priorities may influence their ability to make timely tuition payments. Moreover, the life stage of these parents suggests a relatively stable family structure, yet one that faces heightened economic pressures due to concurrent responsibilities across multiple dependents (Fadillah & Rahim, 2022).

Geographically, the data reveal that the vast majority of respondents are from Selangor, a state with a high cost of living relative to other parts of Malaysia (Adnan et al., 2023). While Selangor offers greater access to educational institutions and related resources, higher living costs can exacerbate financial strain for households in the lower and middle-income categories. The limited representation from other states, particularly rural and East Malaysian regions could reflect the concentration of Fast Track SPM programme providers in urban centres, which may limit access for families in remote areas. This geographic concentration also raises equity concerns, as students from less accessible regions may have fewer opportunities to participate in such programmes due to logistical and financial constraints (Kasmuri et al., 2023).

The income distribution of the respondents shows a notable concentration in the lower and middle-income brackets, with more than half earning below RM5,250 per month. This aligns with broader national income trends, where many households fall within the B40 and lower M40 categories (Bin Huslan & Bin Mohd Noh, n.d.). Families in these brackets are more likely to require financial support to sustain educational enrolment, particularly in programmes perceived as having higher tuition fees. This economic reality underscores the importance of designing fee structures that account for varying levels of affordability, as well as implementing targeted subsidies to support lower-income households (Fadillah & Rahim, 2022).

The study also highlights a moderate level of awareness regarding sponsorship opportunities among parents. While some respondents reported knowledge of available educational aid, the overall awareness rate suggests that a substantial portion of eligible families may not be fully informed about their options (Kasmuri et al., 2023). This communication gap between programme providers and parents represents a missed opportunity to alleviate financial barriers through existing support schemes. Effective outreach strategies such as information sessions, digital campaigns, and collaboration with community organisations could increase uptake of sponsorships and reduce the financial burden on families (Adnan et al., 2023).

Finally, the perception among many parents that Fast Track SPM programme fees are burdensome compared to tahfiz school fees remains a critical challenge for sustained enrolment. This perception, whether rooted in actual cost differences or in expectations shaped by previous educational experiences, directly impacts payment compliance and programme retention rates (Fadillah & Rahim, 2022). Addressing this issue requires transparent communication regarding the cost structure, including a clear breakdown of what the fees cover, and evidence of the added value the programme provides. Furthermore, offering flexible payment schemes such as instalment plans or income-contingent fees could help reconcile parents’ willingness to invest in their children’s education with their capacity to meet financial obligations consistently (Adnan et al., 2023).

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This study provides empirical evidence on the socio-economic profile and financial readiness of parents whose children are enrolled in the Fast Track SPM programme. The findings reveal that while parents value the opportunity for their children to pursue formal academic qualifications alongside religious education, many face financial constraints that can hinder sustained participation. The prevalence of respondents from lower and middle-income households, coupled with the high proportion requiring financial assistance, underscores the urgency of addressing affordability issues through institutional and policy level interventions (Fadillah & Rahim, 2022; Adnan et al., 2023).

One of the most immediate recommendations is the implementation of flexible payment plans tailored to the financial capacities of different household income groups. Previous research in educational financing has shown that spreading tuition payments over longer periods or allowing for instalments linked to household cash flow can significantly reduce the risk of payment defaults (Rahman & Alias, 2020). In the case of Fast Track SPM programmes, such schemes could be structured to coincide with parents’ income cycles, particularly for those in informal or seasonal employment, thus improving payment compliance without compromising institutional revenue stability.

Equally important is the need to enhance awareness of available financial aid and sponsorships. The study found that awareness levels among parents are moderate, suggesting that a considerable number of eligible families may be missing out on support opportunities due to inadequate information dissemination. Providers should adopt multi-channel communication strategies, including community-based outreach, partnerships with religious councils, and digital information campaigns, to ensure that sponsorship information reaches all potential beneficiaries (Kasmuri et al., 2023). Increasing the uptake of financial aid would not only reduce household financial pressure but also strengthen enrolment continuity for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Finally, establishing targeted subsidies for lower-income households could substantially improve accessibility and programme sustainability. Subsidies could be funded through public–private partnerships, zakat allocations, or dedicated education funds managed in collaboration with local authorities (Bin Huslan & Bin Mohd Noh, n.d.). By prioritising families in the B40 income group, such subsidies would address structural inequities in access to quality education while reinforcing the government’s broader agenda of reducing socio-economic disparities (Adnan et al., 2023). Ensuring that tahfiz graduates have equitable access to the Fast Track SPM pathway is essential for their full integration into Malaysia’s academic and professional landscapes, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to both the economy and society.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The authors express their gratitude to Akademi Lembah Ilmu for funding this research, and to Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Melaka for their support in facilitating research ethics approval and providing administrative assistance throughout the study.

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