IPOH: A total of RM816,112 in Sumbangan Kasih Madani aid has been distributed to 450 students from 11 Tamil national-type schools (SJKTs), as well as temples and Hindu associations in the Teluk Intan parliamentary constituency, ahead of Deepavali.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the government, through the Teluk Intan parliamentary constituency office and his ministry, would continue to ensure that no one was left behind in the country's development.
He said the assistance, introduced in 2023, aimed to encourage students, particularly those from B40 families, to excel academically while easing their families' financial burden ahead of Deepavali next month.
Nga, who is also the Teluk Intan MP, said this at a handover ceremony at Sri Vellai Vinayagar Temple Hall in Teluk Intan today.
Of the total allocation, RM449,600 was distributed to 450 Indian students from 11 SJKTs in the constituency: SJKT Ladang Batak Rabit, SJKT Selaba, SJKT Dato' Sithambaram Pillay, SJKT Nova Scotia 1, SJKT Nova Scotia 2, SJKT Ladang Sungai Semak, SJKT Ladang Sussex, SJKT Ladang Ulu Bernama 2, SJKT Natesa Pillay, SJKT Sithambaram Pillay and SJKT Thiruvalluvar.
Each student received RM1,000, while students sitting for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examinations had received additional assistance ranging from RM1,200 to RM2,000 before today's ceremony.
Nga also announced that RM153,492 had been channelled to Sri Vellai Vinayagar Temple under the Non-Muslim Houses of Worship (RIBI) assistance scheme, while RM213,020 was allocated to the Dewi Sri Maha Mariamman Devotees Association in Teluk Intan.
He said the assistance reflected the Madani government's commitment to the welfare of the Indian community, particularly in education, houses of worship and community development.
"This year's Deepavali carries a meaningful message of light, hope and harmony. This is the spirit of Madani that we seek to translate into governance by ensuring that all segments of society have fair opportunities to progress and benefit from the country's development, regardless of race, religion or background," he said.
Also present were Perak Domestic Trade, Cooperatives, Consumer Affairs and New Villages Committee chairman Woo Kah Leong, who is also Pasir Bedamar assemblyman, Perak Menteri Besar's special officer Badrul Hisham and Teluk Intan parliamentary leaders. — BERNAMA
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