IPOH: Over RM800,000 in aid has been channelled to Indian students, Hindu temples and associations in conjunction with Deepavali by the Teluk Intan DAP parliamentary office.
Housing and Local Government Minister and Teluk Intan MP Nga Kor Ming said RM449,600 was allocated to 450 pupils from 11 Tamil national-type schools in the constituency.
He said each pupil received RM1,000 under the Kasih Madani contribution programme, while Form Five and Form Six students had previously received special assistance ranging from RM1,200 to RM2,000.
"The Madani government is committed to ensuring that no one was left behind in the country's development, regardless of race, religion or background.
"I hope this annual contribution, which began in 2023, will motivate our children, particularly those from B40 families, to continue striving for excellence in education.
"At the same time, the assistance is expected to ease the financial burden on families preparing to celebrate Deepavali," he said in a statement on Saturday (Oct 24).
He said this after the contribution presentation ceremony held at Sri Vellai Vinayagar Temple hall in Teluk Intan.
Of the total allocation, RM153,492 was channelled to Sri Vellai Vinayagar Temple, while RM213,020 went to the Dewi Sri Maha Mariamman Devotees Association.
Nga said the government's commitment under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to the welfare of the Indian community was reflected in initiatives supporting education, places of worship and community development.
"Deepavali carries a meaningful message of light, hope and harmony. "This is the spirit that we want to translate into governance by ensuring every segment of society has a fair opportunity to progress and benefit from the country's development," he said.
Also present were Pasir Bedamar assemblyman and state executive councillor Woo Kah Leong, Perak Mentri Besar's special officer Badrul Hisham and Teluk Intan parliamentary leaders.
