PUTRAJAYA: The Madani government today allocated RM3.1mil for the first phase of the Dharma Madani programme, benefiting 155 Hindu temples nationwide.
Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said Dharma Madani is a continuous effort by the government to empower places of worship as community centres for religious activities, learning, spirituality, culture, and social development.
"These community centres will serve as platforms for uniting the community, fostering positive values, and strengthening grassroots social support networks,” he said at the signing and handing over ceremony for the Kesuma Dharma Madani programme here Tuesday (Jan 27).
Ramanan added that the programme aims to involve 1,000 registered Hindu temples nationwide, with a total allocation of RM20mil.
Each eligible place of worship will receive a one-off financial assistance of RM20,000.
Since the registration opened, 915 applications have been received and are currently being reviewed by the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra), in accordance with governance standards and regulations.
The remaining applications will be considered in the subsequent approval phases, with official decisions to be communicated to the temples involved.
Ramanan expressed hope that temple chairpersons and management representatives will utilise the allocated funds responsibly, adhering to good governance principles, and ensuring that the benefits are felt by the local Indian community.
"I also hope that temple administrators will implement community programmes transparently and with integrity, following the approved scope and guidelines, and submitting accurate and complete expenditure reports,” he added.
Last August, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the Dharma Madani Programme, an initiative by the government to provide a one-off RM20mil aid to 1,000 registered Hindu temples across the country.
This programme is being carried out under Mitra supervision. - Bernama
