KUALA LUMPUR – A total of RM6.7 million has been allocated across three Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) initiatives to bolster the socio-economic standing of the Indian community, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan announced today.
The three core programmes—Tuisyen Madani, Uyarvu Madani, and Dharma Madani—are set to benefit students, entrepreneurs, and Hindu places of worship nationwide.
Under the Tuisyen Madani 2026 Programme, RM2.63 million has been channeled to 28 tuition centres across seven states. The funding will provide 2,343 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) students with five months of free tuition from August to December, aimed at improving academic performance and easing financial burdens on families.
Concurrently, Series I of the 2026 B40/M40 Indian Entrepreneurs Grant Programme (Uyarvu Madani) saw 128 entrepreneurs awarded over RM3.05 million in total grants spanning the micro, growth, and high-impact categories.
Ramanan noted that the grants would enhance operational capacity, competitiveness, and market expansion for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) within the community.
“In addition to grant assistance through MITRA, Indian community entrepreneurs can also apply for business grant assistance through other agencies such as SME Bank, Bank Rakyat and Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia,” Ramanan said during the official handover ceremony today.
For the Dharma Madani Programme (Series 4), 52 Hindu places of worship were granted RM1.04 million, with another 324 set to receive funding soon. This will bring the total number of recipient places of worship under this series to 676.
Ramanan bemoans Wong Chen’s resignation
Meanwhile, turning to political developments, Ramanan—who also serves as PKR vice-president—expressed sharp disappointment over the resignation of Subang MP Wong Chen from the party, calling it a letdown to both PKR and voters.
He highlighted that PKR had fielded Wong in the Subang parliamentary seat three times, enabling him to secure victory with a massive 100,000-vote majority under the PKR ticket.
“Wong was given ‘silver platter’ treatment, yet his action is deeply disappointing to the party. Although I am disappointed, I respect his decision and he is free to join whichever (party) he wishes,” Ramanan said. – August 11, 2026