Latest news with #MalaysianIndianTransformationUnit
Malaysiakini
13-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysiakini
PM has final say on Mitra funds disbursement, says Prabakaran
Amid questions about delays in dishing out Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit's (Mitra) funds, one of its officials said the final decision rests on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Its special task force committee chairperson P Prabarakan said Mitra received 1,332 applications for funds between Dec 2, 2024, and Jan 5, 2025, under the Mitra Socioeconomic Development Grant Programme 2025. 'Based on our guidelines...
Malaysiakini
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
DAP senator urges PM to intervene over Mitra's delay in disbursing funds
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim must intervene and resolve issues involving the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit's (Mitra) delay in disbursing funds to approved programmes, a DAP senator said. Dr A Lingeshwaran said he was made to understand that 45 community-focused programmes endorsed by Mitra, valued at RM40 million under Phase 1 of Budget 2025, have yet to receive funds. 'These are not...
The Sun
12-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
80,000 students participate in Cybersafe in schools programme
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra), in collaboration with CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM), today launched the CyberSAFE in Schools Programme as part of efforts to enhance digital safety awareness among students. The programme, officiated by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, targets the participation of more than 80,000 students aged between 10 and 17 from 500 schools, comprising 200 Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SJKT) and 300 Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) across nine states. Dr Zaliha said the programme was aimed at raising awareness and building students' resilience against cyber threats, including online grooming, cyberbullying, online sexual exploitation, the spread of fake news, and the irresponsible use of social media. 'This programme will be implemented over a period of 15 months, involving 500 schools across nine states. It is timely, as cyber threats are an issue that must be addressed from a young age. 'Children need to be taught about cyber security and the actions they can take to protect themselves,' she said after launching the programme at SJKT Thamboosamy Pillai here. Also present were MITRA Special Task Force Committee chairman P. Prabakaran, who is also the Batu MP and CSM chief executive officer Datuk Dr Amirudin Abdul Wahab. The CyberSAFE in Schools programme, which began last month, is conducted interactively over two hours, covering topics such as safe internet usage, social media ethics, password management and the psychological impact of excessive screen time. The programme also emphasises guidance on identifying false information, in addition to channels for reporting cyber incidents and seeking support. Meanwhile, Amirudin said the programme offered students comprehensive exposure to various aspects of cybersecurity, with their understanding assessed indirectly through quizzes and questions posed by speakers. 'This approach is intended to help students become more aware, gain a deeper understanding, and apply cybersecurity knowledge in their daily lives,' he told Bernama. He added that three or four students from each school would also be appointed as CyberSAFE ambassadors, who would be trained to serve as agents of change and peer references on cybersecurity issues.
Malaysiakini
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
DAP senator urges PM to intervene over Mitra's delay in disbursing funds
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim must intervene and resolve issues involving the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit's (Mitra) delay in disbursing funds to approved programmes, a DAP senator said. Dr A Lingeshwaran said he was made to understand that 45 community-focused programmes endorsed by Mitra, valued at RM40 million under Phase 1 of Budget 2025, have yet to receive funds. 'These are not...
Malaysiakini
09-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysiakini
Ensure successful execution of Mitra funding and programmes
LETTER | In August 2024, Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) chairperson P Prabakaran requested an increase in the allocation for the Indian community to RM300 million in Budget 2025, up from the current RM100 million. The Batu MP said the RM100 million allocated annually wasn't enough to effectively fund initiatives aimed at improving the socio-economic status of Malaysian Indians. He highlighted concerns that the amount would be inadequate to meet the diverse needs of the community and drive meaningful upliftment programs. Now given that Mitra has endorsed 45 applications totalling RM40 million, which are awaiting processing at the Prime Minister's Office, why is there a delay in their disbursement? Prabakaran had emphasised that the government needs to boost the budget to adequately support projects that are genuinely transformational for the Indian community. Why are funding initiatives for the Indian community not given higher importance? As June approaches, it is concerning that the Indian community remains unaware of the actual disbursement status of the RM100 million allocated to Mitra this year. It is crucial that these funds are approved and effectively implemented without delay to provide tangible benefits for the Indian community. Mitra opened applications for the Socioeconomic Development Grant Programme for the Malaysian Indian Community 2025 from Oct 15 to Nov 14, 2024. That was about seven months ago. Mitra should undergo a full restructuring. To fulfil her May 23 PKR election's promise to champion the Indian community, Nurul Izzah Anwar faces the critical task of fast-tracking Mitra's initiatives and programmes. She must guarantee the swift approval and implementation of the RM40 million allocated for Phase 1 of Budget 2025, as any further delays will hinder tangible progress and risk the return of unutilised funds to the Finance Ministry by the third quarter of 2025. It's been almost four months since funds amounting to RM40 million for NGOs and training organisations were approved and agreements were signed. Yet, the money remains undistributed, and there's no clear execution plan in sight. This delay hinders vital community works and training initiatives The recommendation is for community development professionals and experts to lead the organisation. This change is crucial to ensure both transparency and effective management within Mitra. The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
