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KUALA LUMPUR: The National Unity Ministry is mulling establishing an accreditation body for community mediators to elevate their professionalism in executing their duties.
In a statement on Saturday (Feb 24), the ministry said it would also outline initiatives to strengthen the role of community mediators through various aspects including increasing qualifications and competency standards, as well as amending the Neighbourhood Watch Act 2012 to include the function of community mediators.
It also said that this year, the ministry's focus was to establish more community mediation centres in numerous states.
"For 2024, the ministry plans to expand mediation services through the establishment of centres in Perlis (KRT Pekan Pauh Community Mediation Centre), Putrajaya (Federal Territory Community Mediation Centre) and Melaka (Alor Gajah District Community Mediation Centre)," according to the statement.
To date, there were 564 community mediators comprising 163 unity officers, 379 members of the Neighbourhood Watch Area (KRT) committee and 22 religious non-governmental organisations throughout the country. - Bernama