The Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA) has fully channeled it’s RM100 million budget for 2025 towards 34 impactful initiatives under the Socio-Economic Development Programme for the Indian Community (PPSMI).
Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Dato’ Sri Ramanan Ramakrishnan, said the initiatives aim to strengthen the community through education, entrepreneurship, culture, and social well-being, ensuring no group is left behind in Malaysia’s national development agenda. Every ringgit spent through MITRA goes towards empowering the Indian community and improving their quality of life.
Empowering Communities Through Key Initiatives
Among the key programmes are the Dharma MADANI Programme, which allocates RM20 Million to support Hindu temples and community centres, and RM12.8 Million project to upgrade facilities, equipment, and furniture at Tamil National-Type Schools (SJKT) nationwide.
MITRA has also rolled out several targeted social assistance initiatives, including:
- RM10 Million in one-off aid for minor home maintenance for B40 Indian plantation workers.
- RM10 Million in Dialysis Subsidy Assistance, benefiting over 1,000 patients in need of long-term medical support.
“All these programmes are currently at the fund disbursement stage and are expected to be completed by next month,” he added, that all efforts are implemented under management guidelines approved by the Prime Minister’s Department to ensure transparency and accountability.
Transparency and Community Trust
In a move to promote transparency, MITRA will publish the full list of beneficiaries for each initiative on it’s official website, allowing the public to verify how the funds are being distributed.
“The MADANI government and MITRA are always open, transparent and have nothing to hide”, Dato Ramanna emphasised.
Extending Support Through the MADANI Food Basket
Addressing queries on the MADANI Food Basket Programme, Dato Ramanan clarified that this was not a new initiative under MITRA, but a continuation of previous community outreach efforts.
In earlier years, MITRA disbursed RM6 Million in 2020, RM14 Million in 2021, and RM4.6 Million in 2022 under the same programme, significantly higher than the RM804,000 allocated for 2025.
This year’s implementation will take place in two phases:
- Phase 1, is worth RM500,000 has already reached 5,100 recipients
- Phase 2, totalling RM304, 000, will be distributed before the end of the year
The initiative, conducted in collaboration with Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), local NGOs and community volunteers, aims to provide quick assistance to Indian B40 families, particularly in conjunction with the Deepavali celebrations.
Building a Stronger, Inclusive Future
Dato’ Ramanan reaffirmed that MITRA’s mission goes beyond financial aid, it is about creating long-term, sustainable impact through education, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment.
Sources: Bernama
