Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari (fourth from left) with Selangor state exco chairman for poverty eradication V. Papparaidu (third from left) at the State Level Deepavali event held in Klang’s Little India, while others look on.
A TOTAL of 22,000 Indian B40 families are celebrating as the Selangor government distributes RM200 Jom Shopping vouchers each, ahead of the Deepavali festive celebrations.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari announced that the Selangor government has allocated RM4.4mil to support these low-income families.
"Deepavali will not be meaningful if some Indians among us are sad due to hardships and cannot afford the basic necessities to celebrate," he said at the Selangor State Level Deepavali Celebration in Klang’s Little India on Saturday (Oct 26).
He noted that since 2012, the state government has organised the Jom Shopping Voucher programme annually, under the poverty eradication committee, to assist the low-income group.
Amirudin, wearing a turquoise kurta and dark blue vest, was accompanied by his wife, Datin Seri Masdiana Muhammad. He emphasised the state's commitment to caring for the welfare of all races, ensuring no one is left behind, including the Indian community.
A few thousand people attended the Deepavali celebration and enjoyed a sumptuous dinner.
Cultural performances depicted the theme of Deepavali with a short play representing light overcoming darkness.
"I hope the financial help given to the Indian community will brighten their lives," he said at the event organised by the Selangor government.
When asked if the state plans to increase the RM200 sum currently given, Amirudin stated that the amount is the highest provided to assist B40 families and meets their needs.
State executive councillor for poverty eradication V. Papparaidu said the Deepavali event was a celebration of goodwill, bringing a sense of joy.
"We need to continue to forge closer ties with communities and families, as emphasised during Deepavali. The Jom Shopping vouchers benefit the people," he said.
Also present were Deputy National Unity Minister K. Saraswathy, Klang MP V. Ganabatirau, South Klang OCPD Asst Comm Cha Hoong Fong, Klang Royal City Council mayor Datin Paduka Noraini Roslan, and Selangor’s local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim.
