KANGAR: The existence of Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) throughout the country continues to be a platform for strengthening community harmony and national integration, says Perlis Unity director Hanita Ahmad.
Marking its 50th anniversary on Aug 29, the role of KRT is significant in strengthening unity through its function as a bridge between communities of various races through community programmes.
“Therefore, the role of KRT is not only relevant but increasingly needed to ensure that the national unity agenda continues to flourish and take root in the hearts of the people,” she told Bernama recently, where she added there are now more than 8,500 KRT nationwide.
According to the National Unity and National Integration Department (JPNIN) portal, the Rukun Tetangga Scheme was launched by second prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein on Aug 29, 1975 in Kampung Kassipilay, Kuala Lumpur.
Hanita said after five decades, KRT is now a space for residents to interact regardless of religious, cultural and political ideology through various activities such as festive season open houses, gotong-royong, harmony dialogue and community sports that have successfully fostered mutual respect and tolerance.
“From a security perspective, the Voluntary Patrol Scheme (SRS) under KRT is also very helpful in ensuring that residents feel safe in patrol areas,” she said.
KRT activities are divided into three main clusters, namely Unity, Nationhood and Rahmah Community, which cover several areas including religion, sports, education, recreation, social, security, health, welfare, economy and culture.
Hanita said there are 142 KRT in Perlis that have been gazetted, and of that number, about 85% of KRT are active with various unity activities carried out at community level. Asked about the involvement of young people in KRT activities in Perlis, she said positive developments can be seen through the introduction of new and more creative and inclusive approaches such as community sports, e-sports competitions, volunteering activities, joint security patrols with SRS and social innovation projects.
“KRT has succeeded in attracting the interest of the younger generation and their presence has not only further enlivened neighbourhood activities, but also become a new bridge in building future leadership,” she said.
“I believe that with the continuation of this effort, young people in Perlis will continue to be an important asset for KRT in moving the unity agenda, thus proving that KRT is relevant to the current generation.”
In conjunction with this year’s National Month, Hanita hopes that KRT can be a platform to renew the commitment to defend peace, reject division and uphold the principles of Rukun Negara as the basis of coexistence.
