The Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (MITRA) received a historic increase with additional RM50 Million funding announced by Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim. The total allocation for 2026 is RM150 Million now.
The announcement was made during Prime Minister’s Meet and Greet Session with Indian student at Universiti Malaya, where both Dato’ Seri Anwar and Human Resources Minister YB Dato’ Sri Ramanan Ramakrishnan spoke about the government’s commitment for uplifting the socio-economic development for Malaysian Indian Community.
First Increase in 20 Years
After the event, Dato’ Sri Ramanan spoke to the reporters, he said this increase is a historic moment for the Indian community and said this is the first time in 20 years since its establishment, MITRA’s allocation has been increased. The allocation has always been RM100 Million even during the times when MITRA was known as SEDIC.
MITRA, previously known as the Special Unit for Socioeconomic Development of the Indian Community (SEDIC) was recently moved under the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA).
MITRA will focus on Education and Skill Development
Dato’ Sri Ramanan said MITRA will now enter a more strategic phase, with education becoming it’s main focus starting next year.
He explained that MITRA will prioritize educational development from preschool and primary school up to higher education and technical training. He added MITRA will explore international technical training as well to improve the competitiveness and employability of Indian youth.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has said this additional allocation is approved because of MITRA’s improving performance, especially in helping the B40 community.
“If you ask me whether RM100 Million is enough. I would say no. Because of MITRA’S good performance, I agreed to increase the funding,” he said.
He also highlighted that support for the Indian community goes more than MITRA alone. He pointed out that other government agencies have also allocated some funds for Indian-focused initiatives, including RM100 Million under AIM’s PENN 2.0 program, RM100 Million from TEKUN Nasional and RM50 Million from SME Bank for Indian entrepreneurs.
The Prime Minister ensured that the MADANI government would continue to help Indian students from lower-income families to pursue higher education.
Sources: Astro Awani, FMT
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