Rukun Tetangga Must Transform Into Drivers Of Community Development

KANGAR, Nov 15 (Bernama) -- The Rukun Tetangga (RT) institution needs to move away from organising activities towards becoming more strategic and impactful drivers of community development to ensure its continued relevance in addressing current challenges. 

National Unity and Integration Department (JPNIN) deputy director-general (Planning) Norzahiruddin Amin Husin said the success of a Neighbourhood Watch Area (KRT) should be measured by the positive changes it brings to the community. 

“Efforts to strengthen this role must be supported by good governance and leadership with integrity, including ensuring that financial management, grants, assets, meetings and documentation are handled in an orderly, transparent and professional manner,” he said when delivering his closing speech at the 2026 state-level Rukun Tetangga Convention here today. 

Norzahiruddin Amin said digital transformation should be leveraged to improve the efficiency of data management, reporting, programme monitoring and performance measurement, thereby helping RT identify the actual needs of communities and plan more effective interventions. 

“RT also has the potential to drive local economic development through capacity building, entrepreneurship, skills sharing and collaboration with agencies and the private sector to improve community well-being,” he said. 

Meanwhile, he said the participation of youths, women and professionals in RT leadership should also be expanded to nurture future leaders and strengthen community leaders’ ability to manage differences of opinion, conflicts and crises through communication, negotiation and mediation. 

“Community security challenges now also include online scams, digital security risks and disasters. Therefore, RT must play a role in raising awareness and strengthening community preparedness through education, training and collaboration with relevant agencies,” he said. 

-- BERNAMA