Netizens call on Malaysian Indian community to prioritise Tamil school and welfare development instead of building temples
AS debates around houses of worship and religious tensions continue in Malaysia, Indian netizens on Threads are urging the community to shift focus toward development initiatives rather than constructing additional temples.
Shivaranjini questioned, “Do we really need more temples?” amid suggestions to collect funds and purchase land for new temples legally.
“Have you been to Tamil schools in rural areas? Why not collect funds and give them instead? Please invest in the education of our children. That is what our community truly needs. Serve them, and God will definitely return it to you tenfold,” she wrote.
Other netizens echoed the sentiment, stressing that Malaysian Indians should show unity by contributing to community development.
Facebook Suthan, who runs an NGO supporting Tamil school development, said awareness and active contributions to students’ education are vital.
“I don’t donate much to temples, but I focus on donating to build STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) classrooms, upgrade Tamil kindergartens and provide materials,” he explained.
Punitha, a nurse working in a nephrology ward, highlighted the lack of NGOs to financially assist Indian patients in need of dialysis.
“While other communities have healthcare foundations and organisations to support people in need, some Indian patients struggle to access proper care. Many low-income households are left in crisis, unable to receive SOCSO or welfare aid,” she said.
Mageswaran added that while preserving religion is important, it is equally crucial to channel resources toward education and welfare for underprivileged children.
“Far too many kids from very poor backgrounds dream of breaking free from the cycle of poverty, but lack the means to pursue proper education. By investing in their future, we empower them to rise above hardship. Education is the most powerful tool we have to uplift our community and create lasting change,” he said.
