JKKK, JKDB urged to improve neighbourly spirit, security
KOTA KINABALU: Thirty-eight chairmen and secretaries of 25 village development and security committees (JKKK) and urban community committee (JKDB) in the Karambunai constituency attended a management and administration course for JKKK and JKDB organised by the Ministry of Rural Development yesterday.
Rural Development Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Radin Malleh, in his address at the closing of the course, said the aim is to instill knowledge and ideas on how to improve the relationship among the various communities in the area.
Of late, Radin said, the neighbourly spirit has been found to be lacking and among the factors contributing to this problem is the attitude of the people who are selfcentred and do not care to know about their neighbours or who their neighbours are.
Radin said such attitude should change and this is where the leadership of the JKKK and JKDB comes into play to engage the community and strengthen the esprit de corps through community sports, skills classes, student counseling classes, mutual cooperation and so on
The credibility of the leadership of the JKKK and JKDB will come to the fore when they successfully bring about change and are able to overcome obstacles with full confidence and sincerity when discharging their duties and responsibilities.
“They must show transparency and avoid giving negative perceptions, and as such I would advise the JKKK/JKDB chairmen to regularly schedule their monthly meetings.
“Early scheduling of the meetings will help them to be more focused on each planned activities and to take the necessary follow-up action, where necessary. In addition, the JKKK/JKDB leadership must be seen to be more transparent and open when making decisions to avoid the impression that they are the sole decision makers.
Radin said the well-being of the local people is closely related to the safety aspect.
“If the people feel safe, then the level of well being is good, he said.
Thus, he urged the leadership of the JKKK/JKDB body to play a more active role to ensure security in their respective villages.
Radin said they should always be concerned about matters that could pose a threat to village security, such as housebreaking, drug addiction, the presence of illegal immigrants, land intruders, smuggling, disease epidemic and so on.
Radin however reminded the JKKK/JKDB leadership not to act beyond the scope of their duties but to wisely use the relevant channels in the handling of security issues of the village by making official reports to the relevant government authority, such as the Police, Customs, Immigration, City Hall, Fire and Rescue Department and so on if there are issues related to village security.