KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) will revive its RM100,000 targeted aid programme for the community this year, focusing on districts with the highest Indian population, says Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.
He said the scheme, planned for 2024, was not carried out last year as Mitra prioritised other programmes such as support for houses of worship, school maintenance, kindergartens, public facilities and estate workers.
"This year, we will bring back the programme with targeted allocations, because MPs know better than us in Mitra who among their local Indian community really needs help," Ramanan, who is also the government spokesman for the Indian community, said during Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (Dec 5).
Ramanan also gave his assurance that placing Mitra under his ministry following a Cabinet decision on Jan 14 would not dilute its mandate, stressing that its core focus on the socio-economic development of the Indian community remains unchanged.
He said the move aims to improve the planning, implementation and monitoring of Mitra programmes more systematically, while strengthening governance, transparency and accountability in managing its funds.
"With closer cooperation between Mitra and the ministry, we want to ensure every programme gives real and lasting benefits to the Indian community," he said.
