A TOTAL of 164 places of worship serving Malaysia’s Indian community have been approved RM3.28 million in government aid under two programmes aimed at supporting religious institutions and community development.
Human Resources Minister R. Ramanan said the funding was channelled through the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (MITRA) under the Dharma MADANI and Harmoni MADANI programmes.
Under the first series of Harmoni MADANI, RM1.38 million was approved for 69 places of worship, comprising 57 Sikh gurdwaras and 12 Christian churches. Each institution received RM20,000 to support religious, spiritual, cultural and community activities.
A further RM1.9 million was approved for 95 Hindu temples under the second phase of Dharma MADANI, Ramanan said at a press conference after the launch of the programmes today.
He said the total approved allocation under Dharma MADANI had reached RM15.42 million, covering 71 Hindu places of worship nationwide.
Ramanan said the initiatives were intended to strengthen places of worship as community institutions that contribute to socioeconomic well-being, while promoting harmony and national unity.
He added that the government would continue providing assistance to eligible places of worship to support community needs and activities. - October 27, 2026
