GETTING A FEEL OF BIG BIKE: Jabu tries out a bike on display after launching the event.
Study on to ascertain safety concerns of residents in Voluntary Patrol Scheme areas
KUCHING: The National Unity and Integration Department (JPNIN) is conducting a study to ascertain the level of confidence of residents in Voluntary Patrol Scheme (SRS) areas over their safety.
JPNIN deputy director-general Ho Khek Hua said the initiative was one of several measures being undertaken by the department to assist the people to lead happier lives.
He added that questionnaires for the study were distributed to the respondents early this month.
“The study is important to us. The feedback will help us identify measures that can be taken to increase their confidence level,” he said at the launch of Sarawak Unity Week cum Love the Community programme at Kampung Hijrah Bako near here yesterday.
The event was officiated at by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu on behalf of Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
Meanwhile, Taib in his speech said politics of hatred, which is aimed at splitting the people, would not work in Sarawak as the majority of Sarawakians treasure the prevailing peace and harmony in the state.
He said the people knew very well that only the BN government was capable of delivering a balanced mix of peace, harmony and development all in one package.
“Sarawak is a good example for other states in terms of racial unity. We have 26 different ethnic groups living harmoniously together for more than 50 years,” Taib added.
Despite the push by certain groups to sow disunity in the state, the people of Sarawak continued to rally behind the BN, and this was clearly evident in the recent 13th general election, he added.
Jabu, in his speech, cautioned that development programmes meant for the benefit of the people would be disrupted if they supported the opposition.
“Development needs strong support, not indifference, from the people. The only way to successfully embrace change is to stand behind the government,” he said.
He later pledged a grant of RM15,000 for the village’s neighbourhood watch committee (RT) and the same amount for Borneo Islands Big Bikers Club (BIBBC) to enable them to organise road safety campaigns.
The three-day programme saw the participation of a number of RTs from various parts of the state.
They are staying with adopted families from the village.
During their stay, they would be involved in various programmes such as `gotong royong’, explorace, kite flying and a singing competition.
Among those present were Demak Laut assemblyman Dr Hazland Abang Hipni and state JPNIN director Dirwana Azool.