Young Leader Proves Rukun Tetangga still Relevant

By Thivyamalini Ramalu

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 30 (Bernama) -- While many assume young people are less interested in community activities, a youth in Pekan Masjid Tanah, Melaka, has proven otherwise by leading the Rukun Tetangga (KRT),  or Neighbourhood Watch Area, since 2022 at the age of 25.

Having been involved in Rukun Tetangga activities since the age of 10 through the Tunas Jiran and Jiran Muda programmes, Muhammad Nurakmal Izzad Md Fadzli, now 28, has also held various important positions within KRT Pekan Masjid Tanah.

The Rukun Tetangga chairman said he was born into a family actively engaged in KRT activities and, upon reaching adulthood, his participation became more directly rooted in community service.

“I was born in Pekan Masjid Tanah, so I understand its demographics and geography.

“In terms of racial composition, it is multiracial, with many Chinese traders in town, Indians in the urban areas, while the Malays mainly live in nearby villages,” he told Bernama at the National-Level Golden Jubilee Celebration of Rukun Tetangga 2025 here on Friday.

The Rukun Tetangga Scheme was introduced following the enforcement of the Essential (Rukun Tetangga) Regulations 1975 under the Emergency Ordinance 1969.

On youth participation in KRT activities, Muhammad Nurakmal said a youth-friendly approach and understanding of their interests were key factors in encouraging their active involvement in community programmes.

“Our approach is simple… we first understand the interests of young people, then involve them in activities.

“We also encourage the children of KRT committee members to join programmes so that continuity exists,” he said.

The father of one added that KRT Pekan Masjid Tanah has members from various backgrounds, including representatives of NGOs, mosque officials, police and fire officers, which, he said, helps in carrying out tasks and managing crises effectively.

“We also actively submit reports into the central system monitored by the National Unity Ministry (KPN), and all activities are recorded transparently while committee members are insured,” he said.

Assistant Secretary of KRT Taman Setapak A in Kuala Lumpur, Ghengga Devi Raman, 57, said she is continuing the legacy of her father, who was actively involved in KRT in the 1980s.

“In the past, my father and his friends would patrol the village every night. Today, we organise various cultural, Merdeka and other programmes,” she said.

Echoing the sentiment, Taman Setapak A KRT deputy chairman, Sim Ming Hong, 54, said he too is continuing his father’s legacy, but expressed some concern about the future generation of successors.

“A more creative and flexible approach is needed to attract the younger generation. The challenge now is that children are more interested in smartphones, so I feel activities need to be diversified,” he said.

On the role of KPN in supporting KRT activities, Sim said they are provided with grants of up to RM8,000 and a minimum of RM5,000 depending on the submitted proposals, and all activity reports must be updated in the existing system.

-- BERNAMA