KRT: A medium to strengthen unity, spirit of togetherness among multi-racial community in Malaysia

ALOR SETAR,  Aug 19 (Bernama) -- The Rukun Tetangga (RT) neighbourhood watch can be a medium to strengthen unity and the spirit of togetherness among the people of various races in the country.

Chairman of Kampung Berjaya RT area (KRT) here, which is one of the most active KRT in Kedah, Datuk Abdul Kadir Mohamad said the village residents,  who are of various races and religions, as well as cultural background, are a close-knit community, very cooperative and work together to ensure success of every programmes or activity conducted in the village.

 "We have activities almost every month. We have the Raya do, the Chinese New Year do, also festivities for the Indian community...except for the past two years when we were quiet because of the Movement Control Order (MCO)," he said when met by Bernama at the KRT recently.

Abdul Kadir was named the recipient of the 2019 Kedah Rukun Tetangga Leadership Award, while the Kampung Berjaya KRT was awarded the Kedah Outstanding KRT Management Award in conjunction with the “Perpaduan Di Hatiku” programme in July 2018.

Abdul Kadir said the village KRT held its committee meeting every month,  instead of once in two months as set by the National Unity Office.

In doing so, we are able to resolve any arising problems effectively, he added.

“We hold meetings every month, this enables us to act fast in resolving any problem that arises,”  he said, adding that the KRT received an annual grant of RM6,000 from the government.

He said the purpose of the KRT is to foster closer relations in the community which comprises various races and religions.

“Mr Lai Eng Siong is our treasurer. We have the  Malay, Chinese and Indian residing in the village and we have no problem. We are united...we help each other. For example, if any of the resident has financial problem, like to send their children for studies, they can come to us (KRT committee) for help.

“Political differences are put aside. We, the AJK, are able to sit at the same table in a harmonious atmosphere to find a solution to problems in our community, as well as plan programmes and activities,” he added.

 Meanwhile, Lai said he has no problem working with the village KRT committee because of their good neighbourly relations.

"We are not at odds. Our relationship is good and we can work well together. If there is any activity, we all will join hands to make it a success,” he said,.

Meanwhile, Kedah National Unity director Ahmad Puat Junus said KRT is an important and key organisation that helps the government to integrate the country’s multi-racial community.

“The role and function of the RT is to carry out activities to improve and strengthen the spirit of neighbourhood, unity, goodwill, harmony, comfort, peace, safety, welfare, health, economic well-being and the quality of life in the community," he said.

According to Ahmad Puat, there are 502 KRT in 12 districts in Kedah as last Aug 10.

He said the Kuala Muda district has the most number of KRT in the state, totalling 125 KRT, followed by Kota Setar (72 KRT) and Kulim (69 KRT).

He said of the total 502 KRTs, about 100 KRTs are categorised as very active and they included the Kampung Berjaya KRT.

-- BERNAMA