IPOH: The Department of National Unity and Integration (JPNIN) has identified that five per cent of the 8,529 registered neighbourhood watch areas, (KRT) nationwide, are inactive.
Secretary-general of the National Unity Ministry Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad said these inactive KRTs must be revitalised to strengthen community unity initiatives.
He stressed that efforts to foster unity must be continuous, with active participation from all KRTs. To address this, the ministry will investigate the factors contributing to their inactivity.
"We need to understand why some KRTs are inactive - whether due to financial constraints, leadership challenges, or other underlying issues.
He said that establishing a KRT in urban areas requires approximately 1,000 to 1,500 residents, while in rural areas, a minimum of 500 residents is sufficient.
"Our goal is to ensure that all registered KRTs remain active, and progress to 'Progressive KRT' status,” he told Bernama last night.
He said this after officiating the ‘Jom Ronda Bersepadu voluntary patrol scheme (SRS)’ and the ‘One Family, One SRS Member’ campaign, organised by the Taman Chepor Raya KRT.
The event was also attended by JPNIN director-general Datuk Che Roslan Che Daud and Perak National Unity Department director Mansor Mohd Hashim.
Elaborating further, Hasnol Zam Zam said that there are currently 5,431 active SRS units operating, within 8,529 KRTs, nationwide, with nearly 100,000 members participating.
"Perak has 591 registered KRTs, and 424 of them have active SRS teams. Today, we are witnessing the rejuvenation of SRS, reinforcing its role as a vital entity at the community level.
"We are also seeing greater involvement from young people. Unlike before, the younger generation now has specific roles within the KRT,” he said.
He added that the government is placing special emphasis on the national unity agenda, with KRTs serving as key agents in raising public awareness. - Bernama
