The Mara Prihatin Program demonstrates the agency’s commitment to empowering communities in education and entrepreneurship with a grant of RM12.5 million.
Grandfather’s chart: The Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) Prehatin program reflects the agency’s ongoing commitment to empowering the community in various areas, including education and entrepreneurship, particularly in addressing the current challenges of global geopolitical uncertainty.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the program brings together various education, welfare and community development initiatives under one integrated platform, involving students, parents, teachers, local communities, government agencies, corporate sponsors and local entrepreneurs.
“This reflects MARA’s inclusivity in its efforts to address the issues faced by people receiving loans or assistance from MARA, especially amid the uncertain geopolitical situation in West Asia,” he said at a press conference after launching the national-level MARA Prehatin 2026 program at the Sultan Azlan Shah Maritime Polytechnic here today.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said MARA Prihatin 2026 involves strategic collaboration between Yayasan Pelajaran MARA (YPM), GiatMARA, Rural Capital Berhad (RCB), MARA Educational Institutions (IPMA) as well as various industry partners and corporate sectors, with a total allocation of RM12.5 million to benefit about 100,000 recipients.
A total of 2,946 students participated in the program and received a contribution amounting to RM560,000 from YPM.
Ahmad Zahid also presented mock checks for the implementation of the Community TVET Training Program by Rumah Impian Electrical Maintenance Program (SERI) and GiatMARA with a total funding of RM625,000.
In addition, Takaful Assistance for Students, Asanaf Welfare Assistance and Bagan Datuk Smart Tuition Program by Rural Capital Berhad, totaling RM61,566, were also distributed.
Meanwhile, YPM also received mock checks amounting to RM10.53 million from sponsors and major contributors for 2026, as a symbol of the private sector’s continued commitment in support of the national education agenda.
MARA Prihatin 2026 is expected to have a significant impact on students and low-income families through financial support, access to education, guidance on study pathways and skills development opportunities.
As part of efforts to expand its reach to more communities nationwide, the program will continue at its next locations in Gerik, Perak and Padang Besar, Perlis.
