100 more neighbourhood areas planned for Sabah

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Jainab (third right) launching the “10 Family 1 SRS” programme during the KRT Gathering here on Saturday.

KOTA KINABALU: The Department of National Unity and Integration (NUID) is planning to set up another 100 Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (neighbourhood area) or KRT in Sabah to further strengthen public involvement in maintaining peace and security in residential areas.

Minister of Community Development and Consumer Affairs, Datuk Jainab Ahmad, said KRTs play a significant and growing role not only in assisting relevant authorities curb criminal activities but also as a platform for promoting unity among the people at the grass roots level.

She said there were 597 KRTs in Sabah thus far and their strength will continue to be boosted, including in conducting Voluntary Neighbourhood Patrol or Skim Rondaan Sukarela (SRS).

Speaking at the Early Year Gathering for KRTs of Tuaran, Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Putatan and Papar Zones here yesterday, Jainab said it was hoped that all KRTs optimally utilise the RM6,000 funding allocated to them annually to conduct SRS and other community activities.

“KRT must be in tune with the government’s policy against all elements that could harm society, including those that pose a threat to our unity.

“In other words, KRT must play its role as an agent of unity, apart from keeping the neighbourhood safe,” she said.

She also urged KRTs to give special emphasis on attracting the participation of the youth in their activities, as a way of instiling a sense of responsibility towards the community among them.

At the event Jainab presented Special Appreciation Awards to outstanding KRT members from the five districts and launched the “10 Family 1 SRS” programme for Sabah.

Also present was NUID Sabah Director Delin Liet Blaun.