TUMPAT: The National Unity and Integration Department is confident that the National Unity Index value can increase to 0.7 this year, from an initial score of 0.567.
Its director-general Datuk Che Roslan Che Daud said the third index study would be carried out by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's Institute of Ethnic Studies.
"The first unity index study in 2018 recorded a score of 0.567, which increased to 0.629 in 2022.
On the national unity index scale, 0.0 to 0.24 is classified as weak, 0.25 to 0.49 (low), 0.50 to 0.74 (moderate), and 0.75 to 1.00 (high).
"For this third study, we are optimistic that the index can reach 0.7 as targeted, based on the programmes planned throughout this year," he said during a dialogue in Kampung Baru Pasir Pekan here on Wednesday (March 19).
Other panellists were Tumpat police chief ACP Mohd Khairi Shafie and Kelantan National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) assistant director Zainal Abidin Mamat.
The dialogue was moderated by Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) Centre for Peace and Human Wellbeing Studies director Dr Noor Hisham Md Nawi.
Commenting further, Che Roslan said the national unity index also took into account social deficits related to social class, religion, education and language.
"For this year, more than 20,000 programmes involving 8,529 neighbourhood watch areas nationwide are required to implement at least eight community-based programmes.
"Therefore, with more programmes and social interactions with the community, government policies and initiatives can be effectively communicated while also countering negative perceptions that could undermine national unity," he said. - Bernama
