Melaka: The Melaka branch of the Department of National Unity and National Integration (JPNIN) is set to establish 15 Progressive Rukun Tetangga bases (RTPs) across the state by the end of this year to enhance community economies.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initiative, led by JPNIN’s director Intan Suhana Yusoff, builds on the six RTPs already formed last year. These include the Kampung Bukit Nibong RTP and the Bukit Rambai RTP in the Melaka Tengah district; Kampung Gadek RTP and the Taman Permatang Indah RTP in Alor Gajah; as well as the Kampung Berangan Enam RTP and the Felda Kemendor RTP in Jasin.
This year, plans are underway to establish nine more RTPs, with six already approved: Taman Tambak Paya RTP, Taman Paya Rumput Jaya RTP, Banda Hilir RTP, Taman Mutiara/Sutera RTP, Kampung Pengkalan Balak RTP, and Taman Bemban Utama RTP. These RTPs are involved in economic activities such as lemongrass and mushroom cultivation and catfish farming.
Intan Suhana highlighted that the selection of RTPs is based on their capability to mobilize economic activities using available resources, aiming to set examples for other Rukun Tetangga Committees (KRTs) in raising the economic status of their communities.
Additionally, RTPs are encouraged to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to boost production and competitiveness. Currently, Kampung Berangan Enam RTP and Kampung Gadek RTP have adopted IoT technology, supported by collaborations with Bukit Beruang Community College and the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA).
Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, Merlimau assemblyman and State Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security Committee chairman, emphasized the importance of collaboration with universities to advance agricultural and livestock sectors through technology. He cited previous successful projects, such as shrimp and mussel farming with Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and local rice production, as examples of technology’s potential to transform agriculture into a profitable sector.