MITRA Channels RM3.28 Mln To 164 Indian Community Places Of Worship

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 27 (Bernama) -- The MADANI Government, through the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit, has channelled RM3.28 million in aid to 164 places of worship serving the Indian community nationwide under the Dharma MADANI and Harmoni MADANI programmes.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the assistance aimed to strengthen the role of places of worship as centres for local community development, while supporting religious, spiritual, cultural and community activities.

“Today, we implemented a programme involving 164 places of worship, not only Hindu temples but also Sikh and Christian places of worship serving the Indian community

“So, RM3.28 million has been channelled, with 69 of the places of worship comprising 57 gurdwaras and 12 churches; and this initiative will continue,” he told a media conference after officiating the Harmoni MADANI and Dharma MADANI programmes here today.

Ramanan said both programmes reflected the government’s continued commitment to empowering places of worship and expanding their role in the socioeconomic development of the Indian community.

“The financial assistance disbursed will not only help empower places of worship to intensify various community activities that benefit the public, especially in education, spiritual and character development, culture and youth empowerment,” he added.

Ramanan said that through Series 1 of the Harmoni MADANI programme, the government had approved an allocation of RM1.38 million for 69 places of worship, comprising 57 gurdwaras and 12 churches, with each receiving RM20,000.

Meanwhile, a total of RM1.9 million was approved for 95 Hindu temples under Phase 2 of the Dhama MADANI Programme.

The latest allocation brings the total assistance approved under the Dharma MADANI Programme to RM15.42 million, benefiting 771 Hindu temples nationwide. 

He said the MADANI Government would continue to strengthen support for eligible places of worship to elevate their role as centres of religious activities and community development, thus contributing to the well-being of the Indian community while fostering harmony and unity among the people.

-- BERNAMA