RM3.1 Million Allocated to 155 Hindu Temples Under First Phase of Dharma Madani Programme

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 27: The Madani government has disbursed RM3.1 million in financial assistance to 155 Hindu temples nationwide under the first phase of the Dharma Madani Programme, marking a significant step in strengthening places of worship as community hubs.

Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the program reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to empowering religious institutions to function beyond worship, serving as centers for education, spirituality, culture, and social development.

“These community centers will become platforms that unite society, nurture positive values, and reinforce grassroots-level social support networks,” he said during the Kesuma Dharma Madani Programme signing and fund handover ceremony held here on Tuesday.

Ramanan noted that Dharma Madani is designed as a long-term initiative, targeting 1,000 registered Hindu temples across Malaysia with a total allocation of RM20 million. Each approved temple will receive a one-off grant of RM20,000.

Since the registration process began, 915 applications have been submitted and are currently under evaluation by the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra), in line with established governance procedures and regulatory requirements. Applications not approved in the first phase will be reviewed in subsequent rounds, with official notifications issued accordingly.

The minister urged temple chairpersons and management committees to ensure that the funds are utilized responsibly, transparently, and in strict adherence to governance standards so that the benefits reach the wider Indian community.

“I also hope temple administrators will implement community programs with integrity, strictly following the approved scope and guidelines, and submit accurate and complete expenditure reports,” he added.

The Dharma Madani Programme was first announced in August last year by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, as part of the Madani government’s broader agenda to promote inclusivity and community empowerment. The initiative is being implemented under the supervision of Mitra.