‘Enlist help of KRTs when planning activities for people’
SIBU: The government should enlist the help of neighbourhood committees (KRTs) when planning economic and educational activities for the people, suggests Engki li li assemblyman Dr Johnical Rayong.
He said the National Integration and Unity Department (JPNIN) should work with KRTs to ensure the latter contribute more than just engaging in community activities such as gatherings to foster unity among neighbours.
“KRTs should be called on to help in rolling out courses or seminars related to the economy and education which can give us a brighter future. We need to strengthen our human capital.
“Education, for instance, is of paramount importance as Sarawak moves into digital economy,” he said when addressing participants of a fellowship gathering organsied by KRT Bukit Kenyalang at a hotel here recently.
Sibu Unity Officer Si ti Nurfatimah Hussen and chairman of KRT Bukit Kenyalang Raphael Ampi were also present.
Rayong said JPNIN should also organise agriculture-related courses at longhouses.
“KRTs must be given greater roles to play,” he added.
Having said that, Rayong expressed appreciation to the KRTs for playing their conventional roles well, like helping the people during emergencies, fostering unity by holding social and recreational activities and so on.
Meanwhile, Rayong pledged to consolidate unity among the Dayak community in his capacity as the new deputy president of Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU).
“My first task is to work closely with SDNU president Tan Sri William Mawan Ikom to implement the ‘Rumah Dayak’ in Kuching.
“Then, we will help to raise the economic and educational level of the Dayak community,” he said.
Siti when speaking earlier at the gathering said there are now 99 KRTs in Sibu Division which also encompasses those in Kanowit and Selangau.
The active KRTs can expect grants up to RM6,000 a year from JPNIN to help them with their various activities.
She said apart from uniting the people in their respective neighbourhoods, KRTs also ensure neighbourhood security through the Voluntary Patrol Scheme (SRS).
Rayong later announced a RM5,000 grant for KRT Bukit Kenyalang.