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The package includes RM10mn in education aid, up to RM20,000 each for eligible Gurdwaras and churches, and RM250,000 for a crime-prevention programme in Melaka.
Human Resources Minister Ramanan Balakrishnan has announced seven new MITRA initiatives worth RM59.76mn, aimed at supporting more than 20,000 recipients and 600 institutions within the Indian community in Malaysia.
The announcement was made during the MADANI Uyarvu Grant Ceremony Series 2 for 2026, where the government also outlined further funding for Indian entrepreneurs, students, religious institutions and community programmes.
A major part of the announcement was an additional RM25mn allocation for the Uyarvu MADANI programme. This brings the programme’s total allocation to RM50mn for 2026.
According to the minister, so far, 285 Indian community entrepreneurs have received a combined RM7.499mn under the MADANI Uyarvu Grant Programme. The additional funding is intended to expand access to financing and help more small businesses grow.
Applications for Uyarvu MADANI opened at 10am on 14 September (Monday) and remain open for 30 days, closing on 13 October.
Among the newly announced initiatives is the RM10mn MADANI Language Empowerment Programme. It will provide RM2,000 in preparation assistance to 5,000 Indian students from B40 and M40 households.
Another initiative, the RM5mn HARMONI MADANI Programme, will provide assistance of up to RM20,000 to eligible Indian Gurdwaras and churches. The programme is expected to benefit up to 250 houses of worship.
An additional RM250,000 has also been allocated for a crime prevention programme in collaboration with the Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF), involving 700 SJKT students in Melaka.
Minister Ramanan said the initiatives are meant to go beyond one-off aid by creating a stronger support system for the Indian community, covering education, family livelihoods, entrepreneurship, and community institutions.
READ MORE: Malaysia launches BAKAT MADANI initiative to widen access to skills training and quality jobs
Lead image / Minister Ramanan's Facebook
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