KUALA LUMPUR, May 11 — The government’s decision to increase the allocation to the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (MITRA) from RM100 million previously to RM150 million has been welcomed as a fresh source of hope for the Indian community, particularly those in need of support to build a better future.
Malaysians Joint Health Association secretary Kartik Beleyapan said the additional allocation would bring greater benefits to education, human capital development, skills training, entrepreneurship, and welfare programmes for the Indian community nationwide.
“The decision to increase the allocation reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring inclusive development for all segments of society,” he said in a statement today.
Meanwhile, Baling District Indian Welfare and Reform Association chairman S. Chandar Chandru said the move demonstrated the commitment of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan to strengthening development initiatives for the Indian community.
“This step gives confidence that the government is serious about empowering the Indian community, particularly in education, the economy, and community development,” he said in the same statement.
Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan Human Development Association secretary Daniel Selvarayar said the additional funding is a progressive measure that could strengthen human capital development, skills training and entrepreneurship among young Indians.
“We believe this allocation will create more opportunities for the Indian community to improve their potential and standard of living,” he said.
Yesterday, Anwar announced an increase in the allocation to MITRA following the agency's strong performance in implementing Indian community development programmes.
He said the decision was made after the government assessed the effectiveness of various MITRA programmes targeting Indian community groups that need assistance, particularly in education, training, and socio-economic development.
