English Language Needs of Tahfiz Students in Malaysia

The role of English as a global lingua franca is increasingly significant in Malaysia, serving as a critical tool for accessing higher education, professional opportunities, and international communication. While Malaysia's educational landscape values multilingualism, the traditional Tahfiz system, which focuses on the memorisation and recitation of the Qur'an, predominantly uses Arabic and Malay as the primary languages of instruction. This emphasis often leaves Tahfiz students with limited proficiency in English, creating a potential barrier to their future academic and professional success in a globalised world. Despite this clear need, there is a notable research gap regarding the specific English language needs of this unique student population in Malaysia. This study addresses this gap by investigating the particular language requirements, challenges, and aspirations of Tahfiz students. As part of a larger study, preliminary data was gathered from a survey of 10 English language teachers at three Tahfiz schools in one Malaysian state. The findings reveal a significant need for a tailored English language curriculum that goes beyond general instruction to focus on practical communication skills relevant to academic and professional settings. This paper presents these initial findings and their implications for developing a more inclusive and effective educational framework. Ultimately, this research aims to inform the creation of a specialised English language module series designed to equip Tahfiz graduates with the necessary skills to thrive in a globalised society, thereby bridging the gap between their traditional education and modern demands