Kuala lumpur: The Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) Prihatin programme exemplifies the agency's sustained dedication to strengthening community ties through initiatives in education and entrepreneurship, particularly in the face of ongoing global geopolitical uncertainties.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi emphasized that the programme integrates various educational, welfare, and community development efforts into a unified platform. This initiative involves a wide array of participants, including students, parents, teachers, local communities, government agencies, corporate sponsors, and local entrepreneurs.

Dr Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Rural and Regional Development Minister, highlighted that MARA Prihatin 2026 represents a strategic collaboration among key stakeholders such as Yayasan Pelajaran MARA (YPM), GiatMARA, Rural Capital Berhad (RCB), and MARA educational institutions (IPMA). This collaboration, along with industry partners and corporate sectors, is backed by a total allocation of RM12.5 million, which is set to benefit nearly 100,000 recipients.

The event witnessed the attendance of 2,946 students who received contributions totaling RM560,000 from YPM. Additionally, Ahmad Zahid presented mock cheques for the implementation of the Rumah Impian Electrical Maintenance Programme (SERI) and the Community TVET Training Programme by GiatMARA, which have been funded with RM625,000.

Furthermore, the programme distributed takaful assistance for students, asnaf welfare aid, and support for the Bagan Datuk Smart Tuition Programme by Rural Capital Berhad, amounting to RM61,566. YPM also received mock cheques from sponsors and key contributors for 2026, totaling RM10.53 million, underscoring the private sector's ongoing commitment to supporting the national education agenda.

MARA Prihatin 2026 is poised to significantly impact students and low-income families by providing financial aid, educational access, guidance on study pathways, and skills development opportunities. The programme is set to continue its expansion to additional locations, including Gerik, Perak, and Padang Besar, Perlis, in an effort to reach more communities across the nation.