Southern Region News June 20, 2012 18:51 PM Johor Allocates RM43 Million To Assist Converts JOHOR BAHARU, June 20 (Bernama) -- The Johor government had allocated RM43 million over a period of four years to help Muslim converts in the state. State Religious Committee chairman Datuk Zainal Abidin Othman said the state government organised programmes such as weekly religious classes and Maal Hijrah, Prophet Muhammad's birthday, Israk Mikraj and Ramadan celebrations to increase the converts' understanding of Islam and strengthen their faith. "Training programmes such as motivational and religious camps are also organised for the converts," he said in reply to a question from Dr Mohamad Taslim (PAS-Maharani) at the state assembly sitting, here, Wednesday. Zainal Abidin (BN-Endau) said the Johor Religious Department had also sent seven converts for training at various training centres including in Kedah and Kelantan. Between 2008 and April this year, 3,853 people converted to Islam in Johor. They comprised 805 Chinese, 683 Indians, 626 Iban, 225 Kadazan, 175 Bidayuh, 395 from other races, 257 Orang Asli and 687 foreigners. -- BERNAMA