The government plans to introduce additional initiatives to further enhance the economic progress of the Indian community in the coming year. Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development, Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, stated that these efforts aim to align the community’s economic growth with the broader national development agenda, as envisioned by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“The Prime Minister has proposed that the Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry (KUSKOP) implement additional initiatives to support the Indian community. Furthermore, he has directed me to coordinate and develop programmes through other government agencies that will benefit the community.
The MADANI government, led by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, remains dedicated to fulfilling the aspirations and ensuring the welfare of all ethnic groups in the country, including the Indian community. The Prime Minister is closely monitoring all matters concerning the progress and well-being of the Indian community,” he said in his New Year message yesterday.
The Sungai Buloh Member of Parliament, entrusted with protecting the interests of the Indian community, emphasized that the MADANI Government’s dedication to enhancing the community’s well-being was clearly demonstrated through various initiatives implemented in 2024.
“Whenever KUSKOP introduces a new initiative, the Prime Minister reaches out to ensure that these efforts are supported by effective delivery, monitoring, and implementation systems. He is deeply committed to the success of every initiative undertaken,” he stated.
Ramanan highlighted that the seven initiatives launched by KUSKOP have already shown positive results. Looking ahead, efforts will focus on enhancing and adding value to these programs.
“For 2025, there’s certainly exciting news on the horizon. My team and I have carefully planned it, and we will be sharing the details soon. My primary hope is that all announced programs and initiatives, along with their success stories, are communicated transparently. We must avoid being swayed by self-serving narratives crafted by certain groups for political gain,” he stated.
In 2024, under the Vanakam MADANI initiative, Ramanan noted that the government allocated RM3.17 million in financial aid to support 90 Indian community houses of worship across the nation.
Furthermore, Ramanan highlighted that, in alignment with the MADANI Economy framework, a total of RM60 million was allocated through the National Entrepreneurial Group Economic Fund (TEKUN) to support the Indian Community Entrepreneur Development Scheme (SPUMI) and SPUMI Goes Big. This initiative has benefited 2,370 entrepreneurs, with RM57.977 million in assistance disbursed as of December 23.
Ramanan further noted that 3,285 women entrepreneurs received support through the Prosperity, Empowerment, and New Normal (PENN) program, implemented by Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM). This initiative was backed by an allocation of RM30.34 million. Moreover, 451 Indian entrepreneurs benefited from the Bank Rakyat Indian Entrepreneur Financing-i program (BRIEF-i), which was supported by an allocation of RM50 million.
Ramanan highlighted that to further support small businesses within the Indian community, KUSKOP, in collaboration with SME Corp, introduced the Business Accelerator Programme (1-BAP) with an allocation of RM6 million dedicated to the initiative.
He also emphasized that talent and skills development remain a priority, with the launch of the Empowering Indian Entrepreneur (EIP 2024) program. This initiative focuses on entrepreneurship training, artificial intelligence (AI), finance, and social media expertise.
At the cooperative level, Ramanan noted that KUSKOP, in collaboration with the Malaysia Co-operative Societies Commission (SKM), hosted the Indian Community Cooperative Conference on October 13, drawing participation from 200 cooperatives. He stated that next year, eligible cooperatives would receive grants of up to RM30,000.
Meanwhile, Ramanan encouraged the Indian community to stay united, emphasizing that unity would pave the way for a brighter future.
Source: Bernama
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