Damansara Kim residents celebrate Malaysia Day with cops

Tucking in: Police officers lining up for a taste of the dishes contributed by Damansara Kim residents for the neighbourhood Malaysia Day celebration.

RESIDENTS from SS20 Damansara Kim got together with policemen from the nearby Damansara station to hold a potluck party to celebrate Malaysia Day.

Organised by the local Rukun Tetangga and other neighbourhood organisations, representatives from other resident bodies and Rukun Tetangga (RT) in Damansara also attended the celebrations along with Damansara Utama assemblyman Yeo Bee Yin.

Damansara station deputy commander Sub-Inspector Mohd Isa Abdullah handed out certificates of appreciation to residents who had been active in the neighbourhood’s community policing scheme.

“As far as crime goes in the SS20 neighbourhood, there is none, because the residents are very vigilant when it comes to alerting the police about suspicious characters or vehicles in the area,” said Sub-Insp Mohd Isa.

The celebrations saw several policemen who were present at the start of RT SS20’s community policing scheme back in 2008 being honoured.

While some had been posted to other positions, Corporal Ahmad Zahrein Muhd Suod became a father of three while working with the RT.

Police and Damansara Kim residents mingled over foodcontributed by the residents for the event.

This is the third neighbourhood potluck party organised by the RT to help promote unity, said community policing chairman Eileen Thong, although it was the first to be held on Malaysia Day.

“The main aim is promote unity while respecting each other’s boundaries and beliefs,” said Thong.

At the same time, it was also an opportunity to show appreciation for the police, she added, as the officers had been very responsive and active in helping the neighbourhood’s security.

“They are also fathers and husbands, they also have a life, so it’s not too difficult, I think for us to show our gratitude and appreciation,” she said.

Speaking after the gathering, Yeo said she hoped more residents associations and RTs would help become bridges between the police and local communities.

“We could always do more, but I think street parties like this, whether Malaysia Day or not, where everyone comes together and get to know one another, is a good start,” said Yeo.