Marang police chief Supt Mohd Sofian Redzuan (left) with Terengganu MCA chairman Datuk Monna Ong warmly received by the community after the dialogue.
IN THE spirit of Merdeka and Malaysia Day, the small Chinese community in Marang, Terengganu, has made history by leading its first large-scale multiracial programme with the police and local organisations.
Held at the Wakaf Tapai Police Station, the “Jom Sembang Bersama PDRM & Komuniti Tionghua” event was organised in collaboration with Wakaf Tapai and Tembok Baru federal village development and security committees (JPKKP), the police and several non-governmental organisation.
Although the Chinese community makes up just 1.3% of Marang’s population, the initiative attracted hundreds of participants, including those from Hulu Terengganu, Dungun and Kuala Terengganu.
It was also the first time a community-driven programme of this scale was held at a police station in the district, with Terengganu MCA playing a key role.
Women taking part in a lively aerobics session.
Terengganu MCA chairman Datuk Dr Monna Ong Siew Siew said the initiative carried strong symbolic value, being the first large-scale collaboration between the Chinese community in Marang and the police.
“This initiative is very meaningful as it encourages the public to step into the police station, interact freely with officers, and foster openness, showing that the police and community are inseparable.
“In Marang, where the Chinese community numbers fewer than 2,000 in a Malay-majority setting, this programme sends a powerful message of trust and togetherness.
The 24-season drum performance by SJK (C) Chung Hwa Wakaf Tapai pupils. — Courtesy photos
“With hundreds from different races taking part, it truly reflects the patriotic spirit of Malaysia’s multiracial, multi- religious and multicultural society,” she said.
Ong, who is also adviser to the Chinese Assembly Hall of Terengganu, expressed hope the initiative would become a model for other districts.
“I hope such efforts will continue to uplift the spirit of mutual respect and trust during this patriotic month, ensuring the values of harmony and solidarity remain strong across our nation,” she added.
The highlight of the day was a town hall-style dialogue with Marang police chief Supt Mohd Sofian Redzuan and Ong, where participants raised concerns about safety, harmony and interracial unity.
The programme began with a lively aerobics session, followed by a Rahmah Madani Sales offering affordable essentials to ease cost-of-living pressures.
Participants checking out the Rahmah Madani Sales.
Free health screenings, a scammer awareness talk and the distribution of safety helmets to youths were also well received.
In conjunction with the National Month, the police launched its National Day traffic summons discount campaign, offering a 50% reduction through the MyBayar PDRM app.
Children, meanwhile, took part in a patriotic-themed colouring contest.
Cultural shows highlighted Malaysia’s diversity with SJK (C) Chung Hwa Wakaf Tapai presenting the Chinese 24-season drum performance and SK Wakaf Tapai performing a traditional Malay dance.
