KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (Mitra) has channelled over RM9.3mil in subsidies for early education to 182 eligible private kindergartens.
Deputy Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan (pic) said applications for the subsidy were received from 186 kindergartens involving 4,962 children.
"Of that number, Mitra has approved 182 applications with a value of RM9,327,269, involving 4,693 children.
"The remaining four applications are still in the documentation process," he told the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Oct 29).
S. Kesavan (PH-Sungai Siput) had submitted a motion regarding Mitra's funds for Tamil kindergartens.
Ramanan said the application for Private Kindergarten Early Education Subsidy was open from June 24 to July 23 with Mitra publishing the application guidelines on its website and social media to help kindergarten operators.
The subsidy is aimed at ensuring Malaysian Indian children aged four to six receive early education, in addition to helping private operators be more competitive.
Through the initiative, each student will receive a monthly fee subsidy of up to RM150 and food costs of RM50 for 11 months from March this year to January next year, channelled to the kindergarten management. – Bernama
