KLANG, Oct 18 — The Selangor government remains committed to supporting all communities regardless of race or religion, ensuring that its assistance programmes benefit every layer of society, said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
He said the state’s initiatives are designed to strengthen key areas such as education, the economy, and social development, in line with Selangor’s ongoing progress.
“The state government remains consistent in ensuring that all policies and programmes are fair to everyone and benefit the society as a whole, including the Indian community.
“Among the initiatives implemented are tuition fee assistance for Indian students in higher learning institutions, amounting to RM1.2 million, and school bus fare subsidies for underprivileged pupils in Tamil vernacular schools.
“In conjunction with Deepavali, we have also distributed Jom Shopping vouchers worth RM4.43 million, benefiting over 20,000 members of the Indian community, as well as allocated RM5 million under the state’s school aid programme,” he said.
Amirudin was speaking at the Selangor-level Deepavali celebration held at Dataran Klang @ Padang Chetty here last night, attended by more than 5,000 visitors of various backgrounds.
Among those present were State Secretary Dato’ Ahmad Fadzli Ahmad Tajuddin; state executive councillor for poverty eradication Papparaidu Veraman; state executive councillor for investment, trade and mobility, Ng Sze Han; state executive councillor for local government and tourism Dato’ Ng Suee Lim; and Klang Mayor Dato’ Abd Hamid Hussain.
Despite the rain, the crowd remained in high spirits as they enjoyed the festivities themed “Light of Unity, Harmonious Selangor”, which featured a fireworks display and cultural performances.
Amirudin said this year’s theme aligns with the state government’s aspiration to strengthen harmony, togetherness, and unity among Selangor’s multiracial, multi-religious, and multicultural communities.
In his speech, Amirudin called on the people to uphold unity and mutual respect among different communities while rejecting divisive efforts by irresponsible parties.
“This is how Selangor preserves unity, and the formula has proven successful — we are now the largest contributor to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) at 26.2 per cent while driving vibrant economic activity.
“We must defend the unity and prosperity we’ve built and reject those who seek to exploit religious or racial issues. Let us remain united and uphold harmony,” he said.
At the event, Amirudin presented mock cheques worth nearly RM1 million to 141 associations and organisations managing non-Muslim houses of worship for construction, maintenance, and religious activities.
He also handed out RM1 million in aid under the Selangor Indian Empowerment and Entrepreneur Development (i-SEED) programme to 146 Indian entrepreneurs to help enhance their economic standing through the provision of business equipment.
