A total of 627 Hindu places of worship have been approved to receive RM12.54 million under the Dharma MADANI Programme since January 2026, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said.
Ramanan said the funding was distributed through three phases of the programme to help temples continue serving as community centres. The first phase on 27 January 2026 allocated RM3.24 million to 162 Hindu places of worship, followed by the second phase on 28 April 2026, which provided RM5.94 million to 297 temples. Under the third phase announced on the day of the event, 168 Hindu places of worship were approved to receive RM3.36 million.
His speech was delivered by Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA) Deputy Secretary-General (Operations) Sutekno Ahmad Belon at the opening ceremony of the Program Celik MADANI 2026 (Series 2) and Dharma MADANI Series 3.
Ramanan also said 162 kindergartens have been approved under the Celik MADANI Early Education Subsidy Programme, with a total allocation of RM8.87 million this year. The programme is expected to benefit 3,612 Indian children aged four to six from B40 families.
Each child will receive a subsidy of up to RM230, including up to RM150 for monthly kindergarten fees and RM80 for nutritious meals.
Ramanan also rejected claims that the MADANI Government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has not provided support or funding to the Indian community. He also dismissed allegations that the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA) has been inactive, saying the figures presented were intended to counter misinformation with facts.
