Latest news with #JPNIN
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Harmony Run marks end of Unity Week, celebrates Sarawak's diversity
Dirwana (fourth left) joins participants for a group photo at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang, before flagging off the Harmony Run. SIBU (July 28): A total of 530 participants from various walks of life took part in the Harmony Run held at Dataran Tun Tuanku Bujang here yesterday, marking the conclusion of the state-level 2025 Unity Week celebration. Organised by the Department of National Unity and National Integration (JPNIN) Sarawak, the run aimed to foster a spirit of unity and harmony among Sarawak's multiracial community while promoting the religious diversity that exists in Malaysia. Sarawak JPNIN director, Dirwana Azool, said participants passed through three symbolic locations along the route — a mosque, a church, and a temple — as a gesture to showcase and celebrate the nation's cultural and religious pluralism. 'At the very least, we want to show that this is our culture, one that always embraces diversity among races,' Dirwana said after the event. He emphasised that the Harmony Run is not just about competition, but more importantly about nurturing a society that views its differences as strengths. Dirwana added that the run was one of the main highlights of Unity Week, which is held annually at different locations throughout the state. 'The response for this year's event in Sibu is very encouraging. We hope to see more people participating in the future,' he said. He also noted that Sarawak currently has 1,096 Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (KRT) or neighbourhood committee areas, making it the third highest in the country in terms of such community groups. 'This year, we are targeting the establishment of 10 more KRTs, especially in urban and suburban areas in line with the development of new settlements,' Dirwana added. In addition, Sarawak has 549 Skim Rondaan Sukarela (SRS) or Voluntary Patrol Scheme units under JPNIN, which play a vital role in assisting police with neighbourhood safety efforts. Dirwana Azool diversity Harmony Run Unity Week
The Sun
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Sarawak celebrates ethnic harmony at 2025 Unity Week
SIBU: The Sarawak government continues to champion community development while fostering unity among its diverse ethnic groups. Ngemah state assemblyman Anyi Jana emphasised that Sarawak is home to over 43 ethnicities, including Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Malay, Melanau, Chinese, and Penan communities. Each group maintains unique traditions, attire, cuisine, and beliefs, with places of worship coexisting peacefully in both urban and rural areas. 'This reflects the acceptance, tolerance, and mutual respect among Sarawakians,' said Jana during his speech at the 2025 Sarawak Unity Week (SMP) opening at Tun Tuanku Haji Bujang Square. The event was officiated by Deputy Minister of National Unity Senator Saraswathy Kandasami, representing Minister Datuk Seri Aaron Ago Dagang. Also present were ministry secretary-general Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid and State National Unity and Integration Department (JPNIN) director Diwarna Azool. Saraswathy praised the theme 'Harmony in Diversity,' calling it fitting for Sarawak's multicultural society. 'Harmony here means peaceful coexistence among different backgrounds. The state's diversity includes Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and traditional beliefs,' she said. She highlighted practices like gotong-royong, longhouse living, and shared celebrations of Gawai, Hari Raya, Christmas, and Chinese New Year as proof of solidarity. 'Harmony in Sarawak is a lived reality, not just a slogan. People here embrace tolerance and collaboration beyond race or religion,' she added. - Bernama
The Sun
14-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Penang unity week 2025 to boost grassroots integration and harmony
GEORGE TOWN: The National Unity Week (SMP) is more than a symbolic event, it is a crucial platform to foster social cohesion and meaningful grassroots integration, says Penang National Unity and Integration Department (JPNIN) director Rohai Zahar Nedi. Penang has been selected to host the 2025 National Unity Week, featuring a wide range of programmes designed to promote harmony through sports, cultural and artistic activities. The event, running from this Thursday until July 20, will include the Rumah Kami exhibition showcasing 24 ethnic communities, replicas of Kadazandusun and Orang Asli longhouses, as well as exhibitions by government agencies, private sector organisations, and NGOs. Rohai highlighted key attractions such as MADANI sales, FoodUnites, traffic summons discounts, museum showcases, and the cultural concert Malam Irama Sama-Sama Kita featuring top Malaysian artistes. He emphasised that the event encourages cross-cultural interaction and shared experiences across ethnic and generational lines, key to bridging social divides, building empathy, and strengthening national identity. More importantly, it promotes the core values of 'Understand, Respect and Accept', encouraging Malaysians to not only appreciate each other's backgrounds, but to embrace diversity as a national strength. Rohai added that the initiative contributes to a sustainable unity ecosystem and positions national cohesion as a shared responsibility, not just a government mandate. To further boost public engagement, the National Unity Ministry is organising a Jelajah Kembara Perpaduan roadshow, which began in Melaka on April 4–5 and has since reached Kedah, Kelantan, Johor, Perlis, Terengganu, and Sabah. Rohai called on Malaysians of all backgrounds to treat unity as a collective duty and a valuable legacy to be preserved with sincerity and awareness. The 2025 National Unity Week will be held at Batu Kawan Stadium over four days, with the official launch by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim scheduled for 10.30 am on July 19. - Bernama
Barnama
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Barnama
Penang To Host Unity Week With Focus On Grassroots Integration
GEORGE TOWN, July 14 (Bernama) -- The National Unity Week (SMP) is more than a symbolic event, it is a crucial platform to foster social cohesion and meaningful grassroots integration, says Penang National Unity and Integration Department (JPNIN) director Rohai Zahar Nedi. Penang has been selected to host the 2025 National Unity Week, featuring a wide range of programmes designed to promote harmony through sports, cultural and artistic activities. Running from this Thursday until July 20, the event will include the Rumah Kami exhibition showcasing 24 ethnic communities, replicas of Kadazandusun and Orang Asli longhouses, as well as exhibitions by government agencies, private sector organisations, as well as non-governmental organisations (NGO). 'Other highlights include MADANI sales, FoodUnites, traffic summons discounts, museum showcases and the cultural concert Malam Irama Sama-Sama Kita featuring top Malaysian artistes,' Rohai said in a radio interview with MutiaraFM today. He said the event encourages cross-cultural interaction and shared experiences across ethnic and generational lines, key to bridging social divides, building empathy and strengthening national identity. 'More importantly, it promotes the core values of 'Understand, Respect and Accept', encouraging Malaysians to not only appreciate each other's backgrounds, but to embrace diversity as a national strength,' he said. Rohai added that the initiative contributes to a sustainable unity ecosystem and positions national cohesion as a shared responsibility, not just a government mandate. To further boost public engagement, the National Unity Ministry is organising a Jelajah Kembara Perpaduan roadshow, which began in Melaka on April 4–5 and has since reached Kedah, Kelantan, Johor, Perlis, Terengganu and Sabah. Rohai called on Malaysians of all backgrounds to treat unity as a collective duty and a valuable legacy to be preserved with sincerity and awareness.
Barnama
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Community Mediator Plays Important Role In Resolving Conflicts At Local Level
GENERAL GEORGE TOWN, June 23 (Bernama) -- A community mediator plays an important role as an intermediary in resolving conflicts and misunderstandings at the community level. The Penang National Unity and Integration Department (JPNIN) deputy director Zulkhairi Zainal said community mediators are at the forefront, performing their duties proactively, transparently and at no cost, thereby helping to avoid court or enforcement intervention in minor cases that can be resolved harmoniously. 'These mediators comprise chairpersons of the Neighbourhood Watch Areas (KRT), who are specifically trained and certified by JPNIN as initial or preliminary assistants in case of any disputes in the community. "They act pro bono, meaning without payment and voluntarily. They are appointed to reduce issues or conflicts at the community level before they become more serious," he said to reporters after attending the Penang State Level Community Mediator Dialogue Session here today. He said there are 47 active community mediators in Penang, and the JPNIN will continue to train chairpersons or new KRT committee members from time to time to strengthen this role. Meanwhile, he said today's dialogue session involved several agencies such as the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), National Education Department (JPN), National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), and the Penang Housing Board (LPNPP), aimed at introducing the role of mediators and opening up collaboration opportunities between the agencies and JPNIN. 'Sometimes domestic issues in schools or police stations such as misunderstandings, minor arguments and family conflicts can be resolved without the need to go to court. Here is where the role of community mediators is important as a bridge to reaching an amicable solution between the parties involved,' he said. At the same time, he suggested that government agencies facing community-related issues should make community mediators their initial point of reference to resolve conflicts peacefully and judiciously. According to the National Unity Ministry, community mediators are third parties who strive to gain the acceptance of those involved in a social conflict to find points of agreement that are acceptable to all parties, with the hope that their relationships do not continue to deteriorate but instead become more positive.
