ARAU, April 13 (Bernama) -- The MADANI government, through the Ministry of National Unity Malaysia, has channelled more than RM2 million in special allocations to the Siamese community between 2023 and last year.
Its minister, Aaron Ago Dagang, said the funds were aimed at supporting initiatives related to mother tongue education, cultural preservation and the strengthening of traditional customs within the community.
He said RM500,000 was allocated in 2023, RM840,000 in 2024, and RM750,000 last year.
“We will continue to support similar initiatives as part of efforts to preserve national heritage and the unique diversity that defines Malaysia,” he said when officiating the 2026 national-level Songkran celebration at Wat Macchimaprasit in Jejawi here today.
Also present was the Communications Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah.
Aaron said cultural heritage events such as Songkran serve as a bridge that unites Malaysians and reflect the country’s strength in embracing diversity as an asset rather than a divide.
“It is our shared responsibility to preserve this heritage so future generations can inherit, appreciate and take pride in the uniqueness of our nation,” he said.
He added that the Siamese community in Malaysia is estimated at around 70,000 people, with many residing in northern states such as Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis and Perak.
In a separate statement, the National Unity Ministry urged the media to highlight the Siamese community more prominently, noting that many Malaysians remain unaware of their presence and contributions to the country’s social fabric.
“Misconceptions, including the belief that the Siamese ethnic group exists only in Thailand, must be corrected through accurate and continuous information dissemination,” he said.
"This narrative of diversity needs to be promoted more widely so that society can understand, appreciate and subsequently strengthen the spirit of unity among Malaysians," he said.
At the event, Jauwadee a/p Bun Chea from Chuping, near Padang Besar, was crowned the national-level 2026 Songkran Queen.
-- BERNAMA
BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; www.bernama.com; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies.
Follow us on social media :
Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio
Twitter : @bernama.com, @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio
Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial
TikTok : @bernamaofficial
