Unity Ministry Seeks RM250 Mln Under Budget 2026 For Five Initiatives

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 (Bernama) -- The National Unity Ministry (KPN) is seeking a RM250 million allocation under Budget 2026 to implement five initiatives aimed at strengthening community harmony and empowering communities.

Its minister, Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the Unity and National Identity initiative involves an allocation of RM100 million to implement the Flagship Kembara Perpaduan programme to strengthen the nation-building agenda.

“The Community Harmony and Well-being initiative, with an allocation of RM100 million, aims for a more progressive Neighbourhood Watch Areas (KRT) by revitalising the Voluntary Patrol Scheme, empowering Community Mediators, and implementing the MADANI Harmony Initiative.

"Under the ‘Ini Warisan Kita’ (This is Our Heritage) initiative, an allocation of RM10 million is for the acquisition of historical materials and national heritage treasures to be preserved and inherited by future generations, while the ‘Transformasi Pendigitalan’ (Digitalisation Transformation) initiative, with an allocation of RM20 million, is for the digitalisation of national heritage treasures including museums, archives, and libraries to make them more accessible to the public," he said in his speech during the ministry's Budget 2026 dialogue session here today.

He said that the fifth initiative, Conducive Unity Premises, with an allocation of RM20 million, aims to improve the facilities and amenities of agencies under the KPN for the well-being of the people.

"Last year, the allocation we requested was RM290 million, but we only received RM90 million. For next year, we are requesting RM250 million, and we hope it will be considered because there are many more activities we want to carry out," he said.

In a similar development, Aaron also hopes that the Finance Ministry and the Inland Revenue Board will consider providing tax exemption incentives to companies that contribute directly to unity programmes or activities at the community level.

"We know that in Malaysia, there are many large companies that can help us provide funds for activities, but these companies, no matter how much money they give, will claim tax relief under social responsibility," he also said.

Today's dialogue session involved government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), KRT, associations, and students from institutions of higher learning (IPTs) to discuss needs, suggestions, and priorities related to the Budget 2026.

-- BERNAMA