THE Penang government should consider increasing the allocation to the Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB) to ensure that various welfare and community development programmes can continue to be implemented more effectively for the Indian community in the state.
While debating the motion of thanks to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Penang Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Ramli Ngah Talib’s address at the Penang State Legislative Assembly sitting today, Kumaresan Aramugam (PH-Batu Uban) said that over the past three years, PHEB had channelled RM1.2 million in aid, benefiting more than 1,200 Hindu students across Penang.
“In addition, various community-based programmes have been continuously carried out to enhance the wellbeing of the Hindu community in Penang.
“At present, the board receives an annual allocation of RM2 million, but about RM1.5 million is utilised to cover operational costs.
“Therefore, I hope the state government will consider providing additional allocations so that more initiatives related to education, welfare and community development can be implemented for the benefit of the people as a whole,” he said.
On sports development, Kumaresan expressed appreciation for grassroots football initiatives carried out in collaboration with the Football Association of Penang (FAP) for participation in the Piala Belia and Piala Presiden competitions, involving expenditures of up to RM500,000.
“I would also like to congratulate Penang FC for finishing as runners-up in the Challenge Cup.
“However, reforms and improvements must continue, including in the areas of youth player development, training facilities, professional management, sports science and grassroots league development.
“Penang has a proud history in Malaysian football, and I believe we are capable of returning as one of the country’s elite teams,” said Kumaresan.
Story by Riadz Akmal