Kuala Lumpur:About 1,600 residents in the Lembah Pantai parliamentary constituency are set to receive RM150 vouchers to assist with Deepavali preparations and ease their cost of living.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Lembah Pantai Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil announced that the distribution began with more than 300 recipients receiving their vouchers during the first phase. The remaining vouchers will be distributed at various locations within the constituency the following night.
These vouchers can be redeemed at selected supermarkets in the Lembah Pantai area. Fahmi expressed hope that this initiative would help residents celebrate Deepavali joyfully while alleviating some of the financial burdens by enabling them to purchase essential items.
Additionally, Fahmi, who also serves as the Communications Minister, highlighted initiatives from Budget 2027 aimed at empowering the Indian community's socioeconomic status. This includes RM150 million allocated for business financing through Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) and TEKUN Nasional, as well as another RM150 million for the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (MITRA).
Fahmi further mentioned that the government believes these measures will support small business owners by providing funds for business operations, equipment purchases, and other needs, subject to eligibility criteria set by AIM and TEKUN Nasional. He also noted the increased allocation for MITRA and shared feedback regarding grant applications, which he plans to discuss with the minister responsible for MITRA.
In terms of direct community benefits, Fahmi stated that the welfare of the Indian community is supported through programs like Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR), Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA), and assistance for repairing Tamil national-type schools (SJKT).
Fahmi also revealed that he secured approval from the Ministry of Housing and Local Government to replace the faulty lift at the AC4 Flat in Taman Sri Sentosa, with work expected to commence early next year.