Dharma Madani channels over RM9 million to 462 temples nationwide - Ramanan

KUALA LUMPUR - A total of RM9.24 million has been channelled to 462 temples nationwide under the Dharma Madani Programme, said Human Resource Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.

He said the first phase of the programme, which began on Jan 29, involved 162 temples with an allocation of nearly RM3.24 million, while the second phase, which begins today, involves an allocation of RM6 million for 300 temples.

"The programme will continue into the third and fourth phases, but several applications are still incomplete in terms of documentation,” he told reporters after handing over approval letters to 300 temples here today.

Also present were Human Resource Ministry deputy secretary-general (Policy and International) Dr Mohd Shaharin Umar and Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA) director-general Raveendran Nair.

Ramanan said MITRA has been instructed to assist in completing the required documentation to ensure applications are processed smoothly.

"There are several temples with incomplete applications, and additional documents are still required.

"We will monitor and provide guidance, and once everything is in order, approvals will be granted. We do not reject applications; we will assist all applicants and grant approval once all conditions are met and complied with,” he said.

In another development, he said efforts to upgrade staffing positions at Mitra are currently under consideration and awaiting formal approval, although they have already been agreed at the policy level.

He said the additional positions are crucial to enable Mitra to establish a one-stop centre for the Indian community to access information on various government programmes.

"Through this centre, the community will have easier access to information and benefits offered, including programmes such as Vetri Madani under HRD Corp, which is still not widely known,” he said. - BERNAMA