The Government’s Dharma MADANI programme, under the MADANI framework has introduced a historic initiative to empower Hindu places of worship nationwide. Through this one-off allocation, 1000 hindu temples across Malaysia will each receive RM20,000, amounting a total of RM20 million.
Special appreciation was extended to Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and cooperatives, Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan, who brought this proposal to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“For the very first time, this programme is implemented under MITRA, benefiting not just 1000 temples nationwide but also the Indian community as a whole. These funds can be utilised for community activities, religious programmes and initiatives that directly benefit the local Indian community,” said Dr Gunarajah, State Assemblyman for Seri Sentosa.
He further mentioned that Dharma MADANI enables temples to extend welfare assistance through community centres managed by temples, particularly supporting B40 group. From Johor Bahru, Mathuraveran A/L KR Chandran, Chairman of Sri Maha Kaliamman Temple also conveyed his deepest appreciation to Datuk Seri Ramanan and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for their efforts in makin this unprecedented initiative a reality through MITRA.
“This funding creates greater opportunities for the Indian community to carry out social development, religious activities, and cultural programmes that unite and strengthen community wellbeing,” said the Chairman of Sri Maha Kaliamman Devotees Association, Kota Impian.
Similarly, Satthiyah A/L Murugan, Chairman of Sri Maha Mariamman Devotees Association, Ladang Pengkalan Durian, Negeri Sembilan noted, “For temples, this aid is invaluable as it allows us to improve infrastructure and provide a more comfortable environment for devotees. It also supports the organisation of religious and cultural programmes that nurture community unity.” He added that temples will continue to serve as community hubs by conducting tuition classes, youth workshops, and social development activities.
“This assistance also enables temples to run welfare programmes such as food aid and educational support for children in need. More importantly, it safeguards the identity, traditions, and heritage of the Indian community, as temples are not merely places of worship but also the spiritual, cultural, and social heartbeat of society.”
He further stated, “We believe the Dharma MADANI programme is not merely financial aid, but also recognition that Hindu temples are vital centres of unity, welfare, and heritage that must be preserved. We fully support this initiative and will continue championing the development and empowerment of the Indian community under the Malaysia MADANI framework.”
Earlier this week, Deputy Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, entrusted with Indian community affairs, announced five key initiatives to uplift the Indian community, especially the B40 group. These were discussed in the MITRA Implementation Committee Meeting (No. 2/2025) chaired by him, and will be rolled out promptly and effectively. Among them, the Dharma MADANI programme, with an allocation of RM20 million, stands as a landmark move.
Source: Berita Harian
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