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Rukun Tetangga and Nation Building
The process of nation building is a long one and cannot be achieved within 20-30 years. The existing unity must be strengthened and brought to a higher level so that it can withstand any pressures and challenges without much damage
(an extract of a speech by YAB Prime Minister of Malaysia in an article “Towards a United Malaysian Nation by the Year 2020” - 31 Jan 1992)
The Rukun Tetangga Scheme is one of two programmes (the other programme is Tabika Perpaduan) run by Rukun Tetangga, a unit under the Department of National Unity.
Set up in 1975, the Rukun Tetangga Unit was formed with the following objectives :
1. To promote and strengthen the spirit of integration through its neighbourliness concept organised via the Rukun Tetangga Scheme.
2. To promote understanding, tolerance and teamwork among members of the community towards a united Malaysia
3. To introduce and promote the values of national unity among children, parents and the local community via pre-school activities in the government’s effort to shape Malaysians that are creative, knowledgeable, cultured and caring with high moral values
4. To improve the knowledge and skills of pre-school teachers and their assistants and to encourage members of the RT Committees to initiate positive change within the community to enable the country to achieve Vision 2020.
RUKUN TETANGGA Committee
Each Rukun Tetangga is run by a main Committee made up of members of the community appointed by the State Department of National Unity. The main Committee is assisted by four sub-committees as follows :
1. Jiran Muda ( aged 13-21)
2. Jiran Wanita (women members)
3. Jiran Usia Emas ( aged 6 - 12 )
4. Tunas Jiran ( aged under 6 years)
Each of these sub-committees has their own set of activities which include those in the areas of social development, economy, security, religion, recreation, sports, education, welfare and culture. There are thousands of activities and programmes being held in the country each year. Although the government provide a small allocation for each RT, most of their programmes are self funded.
Rukun Tetangga acts as a bridge between the community and the government. Its provides a channel for the government to distribute assistance, services and development project to the community as well as an avenue for the community to voice their concerns and suggestions to the government for the benefits of the community.
Tabika Perpaduan
Kelas Tabika Perpaduan (KTB) is the other programme under the Rukun Tetangga Unit. First established in 1976, this programme provides pre-school education for children within the gazetted RT areas and are usually concentrated within the urban and sub-urban areas. What makes this programme different from other pre-school facilities is the special emphasis on integration and this is reflected in its choice of activities and programmes. Most of the classes are conducted in community halls, RT Activity Centres or rented premise.
Kelas Tabika Perpaduan is set up in almost all RT areas in the country. The program is supervised by a special committee comprising RT members, teachers and parents. Although this is part of the RT voluntary services, the salary of teachers and the cost of operation are funded by the Department of National Unity.
| Activity |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
|
Bantuan Am |
11,589 |
|
|
|
Bantuan Orang Tua |
2,206 |
|
|
|
Elaun Pekerja OKU |
125 |
|
|
|
Bantuan Kanak-Kanak |
157 |
|
|
|
Elaun Belia Beliawanis |
23 |
|
|
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Jumlah Kecil |
14, 109 |
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Number of
‘Kelas Tabika Perpaduan’
in Sarawak*
Division Total Total
KTB pre-schoolers
Kuching 32 971
Sri Aman 7 194
Sarikei 8 191
Sibu/Kapit 14 516
Miri /Bintulu 27 909
Limbang 7 215
TOTAL 95 2,996
Total of pre-schoolers
according to ethnic races
Races Total of pre-schoolers
Malay 1,292
Chinese 103
Indian 9
Iban 932
Others 660
TOTAL 2,996
* As of 31st October, 2001
Number of Programmes/Activities organised by RT in Sarawak
Activity 1998 1999 2000 2001*
Social 227 451 226 311
Sports 111 190 132 99
Recreations 84 154 209 42
Culture 37 111 120 104
Education 95 158 125 146
Security 36 68 69 5
Environment and Health 72 166 75 91
Religious 123 247 194 51
Economy 61 111 49 20
Welfare 79 127 145 28
Others 274 312 552 561
Total 1199 2095 1896 1458
* As of 31st October, 2001
Jiran Wanita organised activities helped
educate women to improve their social and economic welfare
Children are taught the values of integration and community relationship early in life
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