KUALA LUMPUR: About 300 Rukun Tetangga clubs across the country will be upgraded to better serve their local communities, according to National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.
Under the Rukun Tetangga Progresif initiative, the Finance Ministry has allocated RM20mil for these upgrades.
"We are targeting to upgrade at least 300 Rukun Tetangga clubs to this status. The clubs will be selected based on a detailed evaluation comprising the community’s social mapping, economic project applications, and community farming projects, which will bring benefits to local communities," Aaron said during question time in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Feb 24).
With the additional financial support, Aaron explained that the selected Rukun Tetangga clubs will be able to carry out their work more efficiently and create more opportunities for communal activities, empowering them as key entities in ensuring community wellness.
Aaron noted that RM20mil was also allocated for this initiative last year, with 152 Rukun Tetangga clubs upgraded to this status.
He also mentioned that about 551 of the 8,529 Rukun Tetangga clubs nationwide are inactive.
Engagements are being held in these localities to help increase the clubs’ activities.
Additionally, Aaron highlighted that the ministry has mediator communities to resolve potentially high-tension situations at the grassroots level.
The ministry also has a platform to monitor both harmony and extremism issues.
"If there is something that can potentially cause conflict, we have the mediator communities in place to resolve them. There are also mediation centres for mediators to carry out their work," he said.
He explained that the purpose of Rukun Tetangga clubs is to enhance community safety and preserve a harmonious setting.
