SHAH ALAM, Oct 28 — The distribution of assistance under the Selangor Indian Entrepreneur Equipment Assistance Programme (i-SEED) 2026 is nearing completion, with aid delivered to eight districts so far.
State executive councillor for poverty eradication Papparaidu Veraman said Gombak would be the final district to receive the assistance tomorrow, completing the programme's implementation across Selangor.
"The initiative aims to help small Indian entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses, improve productivity and increase income by providing suitable equipment," he said at a press conference on the state-level Deepavali Celebration 2026 here yesterday.
Papparaidu said the programme would also be featured during the state-level Deepavali celebration on November 6, with mock cheques to be presented to aid recipients.
He said the Selangor government remained focused on empowering the Indian community economically while ensuring its welfare continued to be safeguarded.
"The Selangor government will remain committed to ensuring the welfare of the Indian community is prioritised, economic opportunities are expanded and no group is left behind in the state's development," he said.
Apart from the entrepreneur assistance, Papparaidu said the Selangor government was also planning to give special recognition to registered Hindu temples in the state for the first time as part of the celebration.
He said the recognition was intended to acknowledge the contributions of these religious institutions in safeguarding community welfare and preserving Hindu traditions and heritage.
"The initiative is also expected to encourage the management of unregistered temples to complete their registration and comply with relevant regulations, including land matters and local authority requirements," he said.
Meanwhile, silambam and kabaddi associations that participated in the 2026 Malaysia Games (SUKMA) will also receive recognition for their involvement and contributions to culture and sports.
"The recognition is part of efforts to acknowledge the roles played by various parties in the development and well-being of the Indian community in the state," he said.
The Selangor State Deepavali Celebration 2026, themed ‘Cahaya Perpaduan, Selangor Sejahtera’ (Light of Unity, Prosperous Selangor), is scheduled to take place at Dataran Klang @ Padang Chetty in Klang on November 6, from 7.30 pm to 11.30 pm.
