SEMPORNA, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- The state government is finding ways and means to tackle overcrowding problems faced by religious schools in Sabah, due to an increase in the number of students every year said Minister in the Chief Minister's Department, Datuk Nasir Tun Sakaran.

Nasir said that the government was aware of the problems faced by such schools, through feedback received from elected representatives in the respective areas, and that the government would take the necessary measures to overcome the problem.

"Officers from the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (MUIS) had visited a number of school in Sabah and felt that buildings in some schools were in very bad shape and needed immediate attention.

"Apart from buildings, some need tables, chairs and other facilities. The Sabah Muslim Religious Affairs Department (JHEAINS) are aware of the matter and have included it in the 2010 Budget," he told reporters after opening the presentation of excellence awards for Sekolah Agama Islam Pekan Semporna here today.

He added that Sekolah Agama Islam Pekan Semporna which has 23 classrooms, had to turn down request from parents to enroll their children there, because the school already has 996 students.

"At one time, the same school was finding it difficult to enroll 200 students, but now it has more than 900. For that we want to thank the parents for deciding to send their children to religious schools," said Nasir who added that more religious schools would be build in Sabah and equipped with quality teachers.