Latest news with #NationalUnityandIntegrationDepartment
The Sun
14 hours ago
- Politics
- 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
The Sun
14 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Rukun Negara remains key to unity and harmony in 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
New Straits Times
19-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Digital platform 'Rakan' to tackle unity-related complaints
SHAH ALAM: The National Unity Ministry has introduced a new initiative, the National Public Community Complaints Network (Rakan), as a dedicated digital platform to facilitate public complaints related to unity issues. 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, Rakan is accessible starting today via the website 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 the ministry 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 said these efforts are being driven through the creation of a community analytics database under the department, which is expected to form the backbone of the ministry's digital strategy in advancing a more holistic and inclusive national unity agenda.
Barnama
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Parents Of All Backgrounds Encouraged To Enrol Children In Tabika Perpaduan
BUTTERWORTH, May 18 (Bernama) -- The National Unity and Integration Department (JPNIN) is encouraging parents of all ethnic backgrounds to consider enrolling their children in Tabika Perpaduan, a preschool initiative designed to foster interethnic understanding from an early age. Although open to all communities, enrolments remain overwhelmingly Malay, with department figures showing they made up nearly 77 per cent, or 26,835 out of 34,889 pupils, as of February. JPNIN director-general Datuk Che Roslan Che Daud said the kindergartens aim to serve as a foundation for national unity, incorporating structured lessons on values such as mutual respect and the principles of the Rukun Negara alongside the standard curriculum. He acknowledged that there may still be misconceptions about the purpose and inclusiveness of the programme, with some assuming the schools cater only to Malays. 'That's not true. The word Perpaduan (unity) itself reflects inclusivity. It is open to all and we want to correct this misunderstanding,' he told reporters after officiating the 2025 Teacher's Day celebration for Tabika and Taska Perpaduan here today. Currently, Chinese and Indian students account for 1.3 per cent and 5.6 per cent of total enrolment respectively, with the remainder from other ethnic groups, according to official data. Che Roslan said JPNIN is working closely with the Education Ministry to explore ways of expanding the programme's reach and integrating its unity-focused module into other registered preschools. He added that outreach efforts would also be stepped up, including public awareness campaigns and engagement at state level to help ensure more balanced participation. "We believe the best way to nurture unity is to start young, which is why we're urging all communities to be part of this effort," he said.
The Star
14-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Selangor strengthens measures to curb rise in HFMD cases
KLANG: A series of proactive and comprehensive measures has been initiated to address the rising cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in Selangor. State Health Department director Dr Ummi Kalthom Shamsudin said the steps include early alerts, community engagement, institutional support, enhanced surveillance, targeted closure of institutions, continuous monitoring and transparency. 'We have observed a growing trend of HFMD cases in Selangor since late 2024, and an official alert was issued to all district health offices on Jan 2,' she said. Multiple town hall sessions and briefings have been conducted across Selangor's nine districts to educate childcare institutions and the public about HFMD prevention, Dr Ummi Kalthom explained. She also noted that inter-agency meetings were held with the state's education department, social welfare department, Islamic pre-schools, Selangor Islamic Religious Department, the National Unity and Integration Department and childcare operators to coordinate prevention and control efforts. 'Current data shows that most cases are caused by Coxsackie A16 (81.1%), which typically leads to mild illness. A small proportion of five cases involve the more severe Enterovirus 71. 'To date, no deaths have been reported in Selangor.' Institutions and childcare facilities hit by HFMD were temporarily closed under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342). 'Sanitation protocols are enforced to reduce transmission, with most centres closed for at least three to five days to allow for proper disinfection.' She also clarified that although Selangor has recorded the highest number of HFMD cases, the state's incidence rate, when adjusted for population size, ranks sixth. As of Epidemiological Week 17/2025, Selangor has recorded 27,118 cases, marking a more than 100% increase compared to the same period last year. Malaysian Public Health Physicians' Association president Prof Dr Jamalludin Ab Rahman said the rise is not unexpected. 'HFMD tends to occur in cycles every few years. It primarily affects young children and spreads easily in places like kindergartens and schools, particularly when they reopen after the holidays. 'The current surge follows the usual seasonal trend, as cases often rise during the south-west monsoon season due to changes in temperature, humidity and wind. 'Other countries in the region also experience similar patterns.'
