Neighborhood Watch Areas to be expanded in Sabah
Ruji (right) receiving a souvenir from Tun Musa. – Information Department photo
KOTA KINABALU (May 16): The Ministry of National Unity (KPN) will increase the number of Neighborhood Watch Areas (KRT) and provide opportunities for economic projects through the RT Progressive initiative in Sabah.
KPN Secretary-General Datuk Ruji Ubi said the ministry is currently working to expand the establishment of active KRTs to allow them to enjoy various benefits, including an annual grant of RM6,000 and special allocations of up to RM100,000 through RT Progressive.
'As of now, Sabah has 1,121 KRTs, and within the next month or two, five new KRTs have been established.
'Active KRTs not only play a role as catalysts for unity but also have the potential to generate community economies through RT Progressive,' he told the media after paying a courtesy visit to the Head of State of Sabah, Tun Musa Aman, today.
The visit aimed to inform about the increase in the number of KRTs and unity kindergartens (tabika perpaduan) in Sabah, as well as preparations for the National Unity Week celebration.
Elaborating further on the RT Progressive program, he said KRTs with Voluntary Patrol Units (SRS) can propose economic projects such as agriculture, food processing and small-scale enterprises.
'They can apply for allocations ranging from RM50,000 to RM100,000. This opens up opportunities for KRTs to play a more comprehensive role, not only in unity but also in local economic development,' he said.
According to him, the government has allocated RM20 million to implement the RT Progressive program nationwide, including two to three KRTs in Sabah that are actively running agriculture-based projects.
Meanwhile, Ruji also announced that the National Unity Week celebration will be held on June 28 and 29 this year.
'Exciting activities include the Jejak Harmoni (Harmony Trail) program, which aims to strengthen relationships among followers of different religions through joint visits to places of worship such as mosques, temples, churches, and Chinese temples,' he added.
He also stated that 142 Unity Kindergartens are currently operating in Sabah and serve as important agents of unity for children as young as five to six years old.
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