SINGAPORE, Oct 3 — Anyone regularly providing Islamic instruction to groups of 10 or more people in Singapore must now register with the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) as a Muslim Religious School, including those teaching online.

Under rules that took effect yesterday, MUIS officers will also be allowed to inspect registered schools, including by attending lessons conducted in person or online, The Straits Times reported.

Around 50 individuals and organisations are expected to come under the expanded requirements.

Existing registered Muslim Religious Schools do not need to re-register and may continue operating under their current registrations.

Those that meet the definition but are not yet registered have until March 31, 2027, to apply and may continue operating during the grace period.

MUIS said the rules do not apply to Islamic instruction provided solely to family members, the personal sharing of religious views among family and friends, or religious services that do not involve teaching.

The changes are part of wider efforts to strengthen safeguards around Islamic religious education, including online, and to ensure instruction is delivered through registered providers by qualified and recognised asatizah, or religious teachers.

They come amid heightened scrutiny of safeguards in religious settings following the case of a self-styled “religious influencer” who was sentenced for sexually abusing two young boys between 2022 and 2024, including at a mosque.

Singapore formed a Committee to Strengthen Safeguards in Religious Settings in September to examine protections for minors at mosques and other Islamic institutions while preserving their open and welcoming character.

The committee is expected to submit its recommendations to the government around the end of 2026.

Its work includes reviewing safeguarding practices at mosques, madrasahs and Islamic education providers, including the screening and supervision of people who work or volunteer with children, rules governing interactions with minors and procedures for reporting concerns.

MUIS has also said children, young people, parents and educators will receive guidance to help them recognise inappropriate behaviour, respond to concerns and seek help.

Mosque staff and volunteers will also be trained to recognise signs of abuse or neglect, respond appropriately to reports and maintain professional boundaries.