IPOH: The affairs of Indian villages across the country are now under the responsibility of the Housing and Local Government Ministry.
Minister Nga Kor Ming said this decision was made by the Cabinet following a meeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and 47 Indian members of parliament and state assembly representatives recently.
The government has also allocated RM10 million for the construction of roads, drainage, public halls, Madani public parks, and the establishment of Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK) in Indian villages.
"Our structure is as follows: traditional Malay villages fall under the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, overseen by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Meanwhile, Chinese villages and Indian villages are managed by the Housing and Local Government Ministry.
"This means we want to ensure that the Indian community feels a sense of belonging.
"They will also be provided with basic facilities to ensure that the villages they inhabit are safer, more comfortable, and livable, in line with the aspirations of Malaysia Madani, which is based on respect and compassion," he said during a media night in conjunction with Deepavali celebrations last night.
Nga said previously no ministry was tasked with overseeing Indian villages, so this new restructuring aligns with the principle of social justice to ensure no citizen is left behind or marginalised.
In the context of Perak, he mentioned that seven Indian villages have been identified, including those in Buntong, Sungkai, and Hilir Perak.
"In addition, there are seven more located within local authority areas that have yet to be recognised.
"Therefore, following the Cabinet's decision, the ministry will discuss with the Perak state government to ensure that these seven unrecognised villages can be acknowledged and receive regular allocations," he said.