KUCHING: The Ministry of National Unity (KPN) wants to establish 100 new Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) or Neighbourhood Watch Areas nationwide this year.
Minister Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang said this is given the increasing community demand for new KRTs and the Ministry appreciates the KRT volunteers’ dedication, who serve as the frontline of the community, assisting the government in ensuring safety, harmony, and wellbeing.
“While new KRTs are formed annually, approximately 442 KRTs or 5.2 per cent nationwide remain inactive.
“Therefore, the 2025 Key Performance Indicator (KPI) directs State Unity directors to take proactive measures, collaborate with various stakeholders through a whole-of-government approach, and conduct campaigns to reactivate inactive KRTs,” he said.
He said this when officiating the launch of the new 2024 KRTs for Sri Aman Division held at the Dr Johnical Rayong Hall, Skrang, Engkelili here on Friday (March 14).
Aaron, who is also the Kanowit MP, added that nationwide, 8,529 KRTs have been formed, with 91 new KRTs established in 2024 alone.
“This includes the seven new KRTs established in Lubok Antu, Sri Aman Division, bringing the total number of KRTs in Sarawak to 1,092,” he said.
He said the newly launched areas included KRT in Skrang Skim, Skrang Ili, Batang Ai Ili, Batang Ai Tengah, Marop Cina, Klassen and Undop Tengah.
The KRT, he said, is a voluntary community organisation established in 1975 and plays a key role in fostering unity among Malaysia’s diverse communities.
“In the Mid-Term Review of the 12th Malaysia Plan, presented by the Prime Minister, it was highlighted that Neighbourhood Watch (RT) will be further strengthened as a key driver and mediator in organising community, volunteerism, and national programmes at the grassroots level.
“Thus, to implement this initiative, the Strengthening RT as a Driver of a Progressive Community Framework has been developed in alignment with the National Unity Policy,” he said.
He further said the Ministry of Finance has allocated RM20 million for last year and another RM20 million for this year under the Progressive KRT Initiative, of which is aimed at creating sustainable, prosperous, and progressive communities – key pillars of Madani Malaysia.
Aaron also said the empowerment of Progressive RTs, introduced last year, is an important initiative, as the economic projects developed by the Progressive KRT can generate community income, thereby helping to increase household earnings through economic projects in agriculture, food products, and services.
“Last year, 14 KRTs in Sarawak were successfully developed as Progressive KRTs, with an allocation of RM1.6 million to support economic and other initiatives,” he said.
He added in 2024, 152 KRTs were empowered as Progressive RTs and were capable of building sustainable and progressive communities.
“Moving forward, we aim to select 300 more KRTs to be empowered as Progressive RTs, with detailed evaluations including profiling, social mapping, economic project applications, and community farming initiatives to benefit local communities,” he said.
