Nationwide Support For MITRA Funding Boost, Proof Of Inclusive Growth Push

KUALA LUMPUR, May 10 (Bernama) -- The increase in the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (MITRA) allocation to RM150 million, from RM100 million previously, has been widely welcomed as a sign of the government’s continued commitment to the inclusive development of the Indian community. 

The increased allocation is expected to create more opportunities for the Indian community in education, economy and social development, while also strengthening the implementation of community programmes at the state level. 

In NEGERI SEMBILAN, State Local Government Development, Housing and Transport Action Committee chairman J. Arul Kumar said the additional allocation is expected to help improve the socioeconomic status and education of the Indian community. 

He said the funding would enable the implementation of various programmes such as business and skills courses, including Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for youths, especially those from the B40 group, so that they can generate their own income. 

“We do not want to provide cash assistance as it will not solve problems in the long term. What we want is for them to lead better and more progressive lives through the skills courses that will be offered under the MITRA allocation,” he said.

Private sector worker M. Malini, 35, expressed hope that the allocation would be distributed more widely to those in need across various sectors, including those living in estates. 

Meanwhile, in SELANGOR, senior citizen A. Murugaiya, 63, hopes the additional funds will be used to help Indian youths gain skills training and better employment opportunities. 

“Many underprivileged families still need educational and training support so that the younger generation can break out of the cycle of poverty. I hope these additional funds will truly reach those who need them,” he said when met in Pandamaran, Klang. 

Meanwhile, R. Chandra Segaran, 66, whose legs are paralysed, hopes the government will pay attention to the welfare of persons with disabilities, including in terms of assistance for medical equipment, accessibility and cost-of-living support. 

“I am grateful that the government has increased the MITRA allocation. I hope that persons with disabilities within the Indian community will not be marginalised and more assistance will be made available for us,” he said.

In PAHANG, State Youth Council vice-president D. Anbalagan Devar described the initiative as a positive step that could help drive grassroots programmes for the Indian community, particularly youths. 

He also expressed hope that MITRA’s management would channel the funds comprehensively to youth umbrella bodies to jointly implement programmes to empower young people. 

Meanwhile, Indian community representative in KEDAH, S. Poobalan said the additional RM50 million would enable more members of the Indian community in the state to benefit, particularly those in the B40 group. 

“With the increased allocation, many aspects of programmes under MITRA can be further improved,” said Poobalan, who is also Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Jerai division chief.

For civil servant S. Ishani Devi, 38, the additional allocation could help produce a more knowledgeable and forward-looking Indian community by opening up opportunities for proper education and skills programmes to ensure that the younger generation is not marginalised. 

In PENANG, State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo welcomed the additional allocation, saying it would help improve the economic performance of the Indian community. 

He expressed hope that the funds would be holistically utilised, including to assist underprivileged students who receive university offers, via financial assistance for fees and provision of laptops. 

“I also hope that this allocation can be channelled into skills courses as well as basic equipment assistance for small business start-ups such as barbering, so that recipients can quickly start their business,” he said. 

Previously, RM100 million had been allocated for MITRA, and with the additional RM50 million announced by the Prime Minister today, the total now stands at RM150 million. 

MITRA, formerly known as SEDIC, is a special unit under the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA) tasked with addressing the socioeconomic development of the Indian community in Malaysia. 

Among its key functions are identifying current issues and challenges faced by the Malaysian Indian community, implementing socioeconomic development initiatives, and coordinating collaboration between the government and the private sector towards the holistic development of the community. 

-- BERNAMA