BY ALEXANDRA LORNA and GILLIAN NESSLYN
KUCHING: The Ministry of National Unity (KPN) has called for more ‘Kawasan Rukun Tetangga’ (KRT) or Neighbourhood Watch Areas in Sarawak to be Progressive KRTs to better spearhead community-based initiatives.
Its Minister, Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang, said as of now, there are a total of 8,554 KRTs across the country, with 1,092 of them located in Sarawak.
“Although we do not have the exact statistics, I believe 1,092 is a very large number thus there is a need for a holistic approach in KRT activities to better mobilise communities, especially through Progressive KRTs identified under the Ministry’s empowerment programmes,” he said.
He said this during the KPN state-level MADANI Aidilfitri 2025 celebration at Penview Convention Centre (PCC) Demak here on Saturday.
Afham Jauhari Aldi (third right), light up the oil lamp to officiate the Department of National Unity and Integration Sarawak Aidil Fitri MADANI celebration, while others look on. – Photo: Ramidi Subari
accompanied by Dirwana (second right), visits the food stalls at the Department of
National Unity and Integration Sarawak Aidil Fitri MADANI celebration. – Photo: Ramidi Subari
Aaron also mentioned that a total of 39 KRTs have been selected to be developed as Progressive KRTs in Sarawak this year.
“It is my hope that all these Progressive KRTs will serve as excellent models for other KRTs across the state,” he added.
He said Progressive KRTs focus on eight key areas: economy and livelihood, safety and community resilience, leadership, community wellbeing, lifelong learning, environment, heritage and culture, and innovation.
“We have seen from previous years that many KRTs show strong interest in participating in economic activities.
“That is why from 2023 onwards, we began profiling and creating an inventory of all KRTs nationwide,” he said.
Aaron added that through an allocation of RM20 million last year, the Ministry successfully empowered about 169 KRTs to undertake various socio-economic initiatives.
“Another RM20 million has been allocated this year, targeting the empowerment of 300 more KRTs,” he said.
He explained that KRTs play a crucial role as a machinery for the Ministry of National Unity to assist communities in villages and carry out activities using the provided allocations.
“Each KRT receives an annual allocation, and if selected as a Progressive KRT, they will receive a larger allocation, ranging between RM50,000 and RM100,000 or more, depending on the needs under the main activities,” he said.
Meanwhile, KPN in its statement announced an allocation of RM302,775 for five Tabika Perpaduan in Sarawak to carry out improvement works that would benefit the students.
The kindergartens are Tabika Perpaduan RPR Permyjaya in Miri, Tabika Perpaduan Ong Tiang Swee in Kuching, Tabika Perpaduan Sungai Plan in Bintulu, Tabika Perpaduan Siol Kandis in Kuching, and Tabika Perpaduan Kampung Pahlawan in Limbang.
