By Loshinniy Nair S. Baskaran,
The Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) has approved nearly RM100 million this year to support initiatives benefiting Malaysia’s Indian community. Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan announced 14 programs focusing on economic growth, education, and welfare.
For economic empowerment, RM10 million has been allocated to the Malaysian Indian Skills Initiative (MISI), which provides vocational training to improve employment opportunities. In education, an early education subsidy program received RM9.38 million to support private kindergartens.
Additionally, RM25 million was set aside to assist students entering higher education, with a one-off RM2,000 subsidy offered to eligible applicants. So far, 5,500 students have benefited from this program, with another 4,500 applications still under review.In the welfare sector, RM7.9 million has been allocated for a dialysis subsidy program, aimed at helping those in need of medical assistance.
Furthermore, RM30 million has been designated for financial grants to organizations supporting the B40 group in the Indian community.Ramanan emphasized that Mitra remains committed to uplifting the Indian community by promoting entrepreneurship, boosting participation in business and trade, and supporting the gig economy for Indian youths.
These initiatives aim to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life for the community, as stated in The Star.
