RM3.2 MLN ALLOCATED TO EMPOWER SRS THIS YEAR

PUTRAJAYA, July 19 (Bernama) -- The National Unity Ministry (KPN) has allocated RM3.2 million this year to strengthen community safety and resilience under the Empowering Rukun Tetangga (RT) to Spur Progressive Communities Initiative.

Its minister, Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said that RM837,500 had been set aside for the supply and replacement of security facilities for the Voluntary Patrol Scheme (SRS), which is expected to benefit 119 RT areas.

He added that over RM2.1 million is set aside to supply 69 new SRS cabins while RM231,692 is allocated for repairing existing cabins in SRS areas.

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"This measure is aimed at raising the effectiveness of the SRS within the community.

"By empowering the SRS, the ministry also hopes to increase the frequency of SRS control and patrol activities, including the involvement of young people in SRS,” he said.

He said this at the launch of the Putrajaya Federal Territory-level Integrated SRS Neighbourhood Safety and Jom Ronda Programme here today.

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Elaborating, Aaron said the ministry, through the National Unity and Integration Department (JPNIN), has formulated a new direction, which is "Meremajakan SRS” (Revitalising the SRS).

He said the new direction aimed to boost the SRS’ role as an important entity at the community level to ensure community well-being, safety and resilience.

"One of the initiatives is to increase the effectiveness of the SRS through the use of modern technological applications in conducting control and patrol activities.

"Another initiative is to instil the culture of volunteerism among communities through neighbourhood safety activities through 'Kempen 1 Keluarga 1 Anggota SRS',” he said.

The SRS was launched on Feb 21, 2004, to help the authorities curb criminal activities in local communities.

He said that, as of June, a total of 5,409 SRS had been established nationwide, with nearly 100,000 members.

-- BERNAMA