Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim has emphasized that allocations and assistance for the Indian community are not confined solely to the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (MITRA), but are channeled comprehensively through multiple ministries to ensure wider and more effective impact.
Speaking during Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today, Dato Anwar stressed that claims of neglect or delays in allocating funds for the Indian community were inaccurate, pointing to substantial support provided through various government initiatives.
“In 2024, out of the RM100 million allocation for MITRA, RM98.9 million has been spent, benefiting 122,082 members of the Indian community”, said Dato Anwar.
He noted that assistance extended beyond MITRA included RM93 million in early education subsidies, RM17.63 million in higher education aid for the Indian B40 community, and RM2.99 million in laptop assistance for Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SJKT) with 6,000 laptops distributed in stages.
For the Indian community specifically, the government has also implemented broader socio-economic measures. Among them were:
- Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) aid amounting to RM500 million in 2022, rising to RM1 billion in 2025.
- The Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme is worth RM1.2 billion
- Allocations for housing, ICT laboratories in 50 SJKT, and funds for Hindu temples registered as Local Community Centres
Image Source: Malay Mail
“A total of 200 Hindu places of worship or Hindu temples registered as Local Community Centres nationwide have been allocated RM20 million, in addition to a one-off RM10 million allocation from the Implementation Coordination Unit, Prime Minister’s Department (ICU JPM) for minor repairs and maintenance of residences of Indian estate workers,” he added.
Dato Anwar explained that for 2025, the government would take a more coordinated approach alighting MITRA funds with other ministries. For instance, if the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) allocates RM20 million for housing projects, MITRA could channel an additional RM5 million to cover gaps.
On the issue of hardcore poverty, the Prime Minister underlined that poverty eradication efforts must be comprehensive and inclusive, without racial distinction, under the MADANI Economic Framework.
Sources: Bernama
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