KUALA LUMPUR: The government today announced that the annual allocation for AIMST University will be increased from RM20 million to RM25 million beginning next year.
This was stated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob when opening the 75th annual general assembly of MIC here.
He made the announcement in response to a request from MIC president Tan Sri S.A Vigneswaran who, in his speech earlier, said a bigger allocation would enable more Indians to further their studies and help improve the well-being of their families.
AIMST University is a private university established by MIC's Maju Institute of Education Development (MIED). The university, located in Sungai Petani, Kedah, offers medical, science and technology courses.
Ismail Sabri also announced that a Special Cabinet Committee on the Development of the Indian Community would be set up.
He said that through the National Unity Ministry, an Indian Community Action Plan (PTMI) would be launched soon, setting out various short- and long-term targets which should be achieved together with lead and implementing agencies.
"To ensure good and transparent implementation, I agree with the suggestion of Vigneswaran that a Special Cabinet Committee on the Development of the Indian Community be formed," he added.
He said PTMI would be improved from time to time in line with the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) and Budget 2022.
Ismail Sabri said that this year, the government had provided cash assistance totalling RM8.4 million to the B40 group and a RM1 million Prihatin Special Grant (GKP) to Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (SME).
"This matter (aid) covers 7.6 per cent or 640,000 B40 from the Indian community and eight per cent or 80,000 Indian Micro SME. With this, the Indian community stands to receive benefits of more than RM600 million from Bantuan Keluarga Malaysia in 2022," he said.
The prime minister said that specifically for the Indian community next year, a RM100 million allocation will be given to the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA) for, among others, implementing an education financial aid programme for the Indian B40 community, entrepreneurship capacity development programme, and welfare assistance.
Apart from this, RM25 million has also been channelled through TEKUN Nasional for the Indian Micro Entrepreneurs Financing Scheme which provides easy loans of up to RM100,000 at an interest rate as low as four per cent per annum.
"HRD Corp has also set aside up to RM25 million for skills training for Indian B40 youths. The Education Ministry will allocate RM35 million for maintenance of Sekolah Rendah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SKJT).
"I would like to announce that this year we are giving equitable allocations to every school, whether national schools, SJKC, SJKT or other schools," he said.
Apart from Vigneswaran, also present were MIC deputy president Datuk Seri M Saravanan, who is Human Resource Minister, and other senior MIC leaders.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sun Dec 12 2021
The annual allocation for AIMST University will be increased from RM20 million to RM25 million beginning next year, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob when opening the 75th annual general assembly of MIC today. - BERNAMA
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.