PUTRAJAYA, Aug 24 — The special task force of the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (Mitra) is seeking a RM300 million allocation under Budget 2025 to develop the Indian community.
Its chairman P. Prabakaran said that although the government allocated RM100 million to the unit this year, the amount is insufficient, as the committee needs to spend at least RM50 million to support 100,000 individuals from the B40 group.
"Commitments alone take up almost half of the RM100 million allocation. The remaining RM50 million is not adequate to effect change or transformation and improve equity for the Indian community, especially among the youth.
"With a larger allocation we would be able to implement more programmes and initiatives," he said during a press conference after attending the Budget 2025 Engagement Session: Socio-economic Development of the Indian Community today.
Commenting on the engagement session, Prabakaran said it was organised to give around 100 leaders and representatives from the Indian community nationwide a chance to provide input on the 2025 Budget framework.
The discussion focused on ensuring the 2025 Budget strengthens the execution of Mitra initiatives, upgrades government-assisted schools, and creates more business opportunities for the Indian community.
"Mitra will work with every government agency to ensure that existing initiatives can be delivered to the Indian community in need," he said.
— Bernama