
RAKAN platform launched to tackle unity-related complaints
Its minister Datuk Aaron Aro Dagang said the platform will strengthen the management of information and responses to community complaints while enhancing the efficiency of monitoring systems for safety and harmony at the grassroots level.
'RAKAN is an initiative to bring the public closer to the government in empowering communities to maintain national harmony.
'We are confident this initiative can foster a sense of social responsibility among the public in addressing sensitive issues that could threaten unity,' he told reporters after launching the platform here today.
Developed by the National Unity and Integration Department (JPNIN), RAKAN is accessible starting today via the website https://rakan.jpnin.gov.my.
Aaron assured that all complaint information will be kept confidential, where district unity officers will review the reports and share them with the right agencies at local, state, or national levels. Authorities like the police and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will also be involved when needed.
Earlier in his speech, Aaron said KPN aims to raise the National Unity Index (IPNas) score to at least 0.70 this year, up from 0.629 in 2022.
He said IPNas is the country's only official tool for measuring national unity and harmony, which recorded its first score in 2018 at 0.567.
'To achieve the target IPNas score of 0.70 this year, the ministry has implemented various efforts, including community dialogues, multi-ethnic integration programmes and continuous empowerment of grassroots roles.
'Importantly, improving the IPNas score is not just about statistics but about strengthening the nation's social foundation, from perception to action,' he said.
Aaron said the ministry is actively exploring new digital avenues to strengthen unity, including online applications for Rukun Tetangga (neighbourhood watch) formations, enhancing systematic reporting and monitoring mechanisms and developing a centralised community data analytics system for targeted interventions.
He added that these efforts are being driven through the creation of a community analytics database under JPNIN, which is expected to form the backbone of KPN's digital strategy in advancing a more holistic and inclusive national unity agenda.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Star
11 hours ago
- The Star
Rights of Orang Asli paramount
Fiery blessing: Orang Asal from various tribes lighting the torch as a ritual to lift up the spirits during the 'Hari Orang Asal Sedunia' celebration at Tadom Hill Resorts in Banting. (Below) Aaron urges the community to build greater cooperation with the Rukun Tetangga activities. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star Govt pledges to prioritise the lives, culture of the indigenous people BANTING: The indigenous community is a vital pillar in shaping the nation's identity and cultural diversity to further fuel unity and strength among races in the country said National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang. He said the government has constantly pledged to give recognition to the indigenous community and take steps to improve their quality of life comprehensively through various initiatives. Aaron cited the 13th Malaysia Plan, which proposed to re-examine the Orang Asli Acts 1954 (Act 134). He said various other aspects such as land ownership, education and infrastructure will also be improved for the community. Exclusive interview with Unity Seri Aaron Ago Dagang National Unity Ministerfor Merdeka Supplement 2025. — AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star Aaron said the government will prioritise developing talent for the indigenous community by enabling greater access to education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) with aid for schooling and scholarships to assist their youth in attaining their full potential. He said the government will also continue to support efforts to preserve the language, oral heritage and cultural arts of the Orang Asli community in the country. 'Cultural heritage is a national asset that has to be preserved especially in efforts to address global issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss. 'The National Unity Ministry is committed to strengthen strategic cooperation with the various indigenous communities in ensuring national policies are developed to be inclusive, responsive and meets the needs and aspirations of the indigenous community,' he said when officiating the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples 2025 (PHOAS 2025) organised by the Indigenous Peoples Network of Malaysia (Joas) here yesterday. Aaron also called for the Orang Asli community to increase its participation and build greater cooperation with the Rukun Tetangga activities to enable greater social relations and the spirit of neighbourliness. He said such programmes would also help the community gain wider access to local development programmes. Joas president Hellan Empaing said the event was more than a celebration as it was a gathering of solidarity which brought the indigenous community together to reaffirm its rights. 'This celebration will only be meaningful when our rights are respected, our land protected and our voices recognised in all laws and policies at both national and international levels. We are not here to mourn but to strengthen solidarity and to clearly affirm that we are not alone,' she said. The event, attended by over 200 members of the indigenous community featured cultural exhibitions, public forums, knowledge-sharing and sales booths With the theme 'Protect the Earth, Restore the Land, Regreen the Future Through Indigenous Wisdom', the event called on Malaysians to recognise the wisdom of the indigenous community in caring for the environment and the earth's heritage and the people's responsibility towards it.


The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Indigenous groups seek land rights recognition in memorandum to unity minister
BANTING: Jaringan Orang Asal SeMalaysia (JOAS) submitted a memorandum to the Ministry of National Unity today, marking Indigenous Peoples Day 2025. The document was handed over by JOAS president Hellan Empaing Anak Chi Tungkat to Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang at Tadom Hill Resort. It emphasised the protection of Indigenous land rights, customary territories, and natural resource management. The memorandum also highlighted the leadership role of Indigenous communities in climate change solutions and intergenerational advocacy. Inclusive governance and cultural resilience were key themes in the submission. Aaron assured that the government would review the memorandum thoroughly before addressing the concerns raised. 'This memorandum will be studied by the government, and the concerns expressed will be given serious attention,' he said. He reiterated the government's commitment to the Orang Asli community as part of Malaysia's national identity. The MADANI administration is prioritising Orang Asli welfare under the 13th Malaysia Plan, including revising the Orang Asli Act 1954. Aaron encouraged greater participation from Indigenous communities in Rukun Tetangga initiatives for local development. He stressed that such engagement strengthens social cohesion and access to government programmes. Efforts to preserve Indigenous languages, heritage, and cultural arts will also receive full government support. 'Traditional knowledge is vital in addressing global challenges like climate change,' he added. This year's Indigenous Day theme focused on environmental restoration through Indigenous wisdom. The celebration honours the cultural contributions and rights of Malaysia's Indigenous peoples. - Bernama


The Sun
2 days ago
- The Sun
Rukun Negara remains a pillar in shaping a united, harmonious Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: The Rukun Negara continues to be a key foundation in fostering unity and harmony in Malaysian society, especially among the youth who will lead the nation in the future, said National Unity and Integration Department (JPNIN) director-general Zulkifli Hashim. He said the five principles of Rukun Negara are not merely slogans or ceremonial phrases but essential elements for the country's stability and prosperity. 'Rukun Negara remains highly relevant. To build a united and prosperous nation, we must have a common foundation, and that foundation is Rukun Negara. These principles should not just be recited but should be deeply understood and practiced by every Malaysian in their daily life,' he said during Bernama TV's Ruang Bicara programme last night. Zulkifli noted that following the tragic May 13, 1969 incident, which deeply scarred the nation's history, Rukun Negara was created as a national consensus aimed at uniting the people and preventing racial divisions. He stressed the need to strengthen Rukun Negara's understanding among the youth through education, community programmes, and public campaigns. JPNIN has been actively promoting initiatives such as the Rukun Negara Club in schools and universities, the Rukun Negara School programme, and special curriculum modules to ensure a deeper understanding of the principles. 'We don't want the youth to simply memorise the principles. They must understand that 'Loyalty to the King and Country' is not just about the royal institution. It is about a commitment to the nation, respecting the law, and rejecting anything that threatens the country's well-being,' Zulkifli explained. He also pointed out that the principle of 'Courtesy and Morality' extends beyond politeness in conversation. It involves ethical behavior on social media, respecting differing views, and rejecting hate culture that undermines unity. Zulkifli reminded that the responsibility of upholding national unity does not solely lie with the government. It requires the support of all sectors of society, including the private sector, non-governmental organisations, community leaders, and social media influencers. He also recognised the crucial role the media plays in promoting unity, acting as a bridge between government policies and the people. 'Media is not just about providing information. It is a catalyst for unity. When media platforms amplify constructive voices that unite the people, the positive impact on society is immense,' he said. The Ministry of National Unity is currently running the Taat Setia Rukun Negara campaign, which began on Aug 1 and will end on Sept 16, marking the 55th anniversary of the Rukun Negara declaration. - Bernama