KUALA LUMPUR – The Uyarvu Madani Grant Programme has drawn strong interest from Indian entrepreneurs, with 1,340 applications submitted within just five days of its launch.
The initiative, introduced by the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra), provides grants of up to RM50,000 to eligible entrepreneurs, depending on their business category.
Mitra director-general N. Raveendran Nair said the response underscores the demand for financial support among micro and small business owners aiming to expand and strengthen their operations.
“Out of the applications received, 700 entrepreneurs who meet the eligibility requirements and selection criteria will be chosen to receive assistance under this programme,” he said.
Although applications are set to close on July 13, Raveendran said the submission period may end earlier if the programme reaches its 1,500-application target before the deadline.
The grant was launched on June 29 by Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan as part of Mitra’s broader efforts to strengthen the economic standing of the Indian community through support for sustainable entrepreneurship and improved competitiveness.
Ramanan previously said the initiative was designed to address the needs of Indian entrepreneurs, particularly micro-business operators who continue to face challenges in accessing financing.
He also emphasised that the distribution of aid must be carried out transparently, with integrity, and directed only to deserving recipients to ensure the intended community impact is achieved.
The programme forms part of a wider restructuring of Mitra under the Human Resources Ministry, aimed at delivering community development initiatives in a more systematic, integrated and impactful manner.
“The transformation encompasses key sectors including education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), socio-economic development, healthcare and social welfare, ensuring that the Indian community has greater access to holistic development opportunities,” Ramanan said.
In a related development, the Madani government has approved an additional RM50 million allocation for Mitra, bringing its annual funding to RM150 million to further strengthen community development initiatives.
With applications nearing the target threshold, Mitra has urged eligible entrepreneurs to apply promptly to avoid missing out.
Applicants must be Malaysian citizens aged between 21 and 55, and hold valid business registration with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM).
Further details and application information are available on Mitra’s official portal and its official Facebook page. – July 3, 2026