PUTRAJAYA, Jan 27 — The MADANI government has allocated RM3.1 million for the first phase of the Dharma MADANI initiative, benefiting 155 Hindu temples nationwide.
Human Resources (MOHR) Minister Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan said Dharma MADANI is a continuous government effort to empower places of worship as community centres for religious activities, learning, spirituality, culture, and social development.
“These community centres will serve as platforms for uniting the community, fostering positive values, and strengthening grassroots social support networks,” he said at the signing and handing over ceremony for the MOHR Dharma MADANI programme today.
Ramanan added that the programme aims to involve 1,000 registered Hindu temples nationwide, with a total allocation of RM20 million. Each eligible place of worship will receive a one-off financial assistance of RM20,000.
Since the registration opened, 915 applications have been received and are currently being reviewed by the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA), in accordance with governance standards and regulations.
The remaining applications will be considered in subsequent approval phases, with official decisions communicated to the temples involved.
Ramanan hopes that temple chairpersons and management representatives will utilise the allocated funds responsibly, adhering to good governance principles, and ensuring that the benefits are felt by the local Indian community
“I also hope that temple administrators will implement community programmes transparently and with integrity, following the approved scope and guidelines, and submitting accurate and complete expenditure reports,” he said.
In August last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced Dharma MADANI, a government initiative to provide a one-off RM20 million aid to 1,000 registered Hindu temples across the country. It is being carried out under MITRA's supervision.
