KUCHING: The State Unity Action Committee (JKTPN) is committed to strengthening the existing rukun tetangga (RT) or neighbourhood associations through strategic planning.
Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said there were currently 1,063 Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) in the state and they played an important role in the community.
“Therefore, a briefing on the RT Community Leadership Empowerment Plan was also held, which involved three objectives, five cores, 14 strategies and seven programme clusters.
“The plan will also enable the chairman and members of the RT committee to implement the programme in a more orderly and planned manner – they are also given allocations by the federal government to carry out activities,” she said after chairing a meeting with JKTPN on Monday (May 30).
Fatimah added that among the objectives of the empowerment plan were to strengthen the role and responsibilities of RT community leadership; strengthen the unity and wellbeing of the RT community; and increase the active involvement of the community in RT volunteer activities.
“The five thrusts are to strengthen the leadership of the RT community as a catalyst for unity; empowering community service as a site of national integration; improving the safety and harmony of the community through volunteer activities.
“It includes strengthening the role of RT areas in improving the wellbeing of the community and empowering community groups,” she said, adding that each core also had its own strategy.
Elaborating further, Fatimah revealed that among the seven clusters of programmes under the empowerment plan were basic; option; culture; sports and recreation; health and hygiene; education and skills; as well as community groups.
“This is what we plan, so it is easy for them (KRT) to choose activities or programmes that will be implemented according to the suitability of the situation and needs in their respective places.
“Therefore, in the next meeting we also plan to produce a map – how to implement the programme based on the needs of KRT.
“At the same time we also emphasise that collaboration and teamwork are very important in community organisations.”
JKTPN is a committee at the state level that discusses issues and problems related to unity, including planning and implementing programmes related to unity activities.
It is also a platform to discuss any aspect that affects the unity agenda in the country, especially in Sarawak in an integrated manner so that the wellbeing and security of the people and the state continue to be maintained.
