Kuala Lumpur: The Ministry of National Unity has allocated RM20 million to the Department of National Unity and Integration (JPNIN) to modernise and upgrade 300 Neighbourhood Watch (KRTs) to the status of Progressive KRTs this year. JPNIN director-general, Datuk Che Roslan Che Daud, stated that there are 8,529 KRTs nationwide, and 300 will be selected for upgrading this year.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Che Roslan Che Daud mentioned that last year, 152 KRTs were modernised and upgraded to Progressive KRT status. This year, the aim is to upgrade 300 more KRTs with the RM20 million allocation. Progressive KRTs are required to meet specific criteria, including having economic and livelihood projects and implementing the Volunteer Patrol Scheme (SRS).

Che Roslan emphasized the importance of this initiative, highlighting that the economic projects developed by Progressive KRTs can generate income for the community, thus helping to increase household income. The economic projects under the Progressive KRTs focus on three main sectors: agriculture, products, and services.

Each project developed to achieve Progressive KRT status is capped at a cost of RM100,000. The selection of KRTs for upgrading is based on proposals from the respective state Unity Departments. Additionally, the federal government, through the ministry, has allocated RM5 million to improve and upgrade the facilities of Unity Pre-Schools (Tabika) and Unity Child Care Centres (Taska) nationwide this year.

The allocation for Tabika and Taska will be distributed after March, once the respective state directors complete the scope of work required for facility improvements and upgrades. Furthermore, an additional RM2 million allocation is set aside for repairing other facilities, including minor damages caused by recent floods.