Community Mediator Plays Important Role In Resolving Conflicts At Local Level - JPNIN

GEORGE TOWN, June 23 (Bernama) -- A community mediator plays an important role as an intermediary in resolving conflicts and misunderstandings at the community level.

The Penang National Unity and Integration Department (JPNIN) deputy director Zulkhairi Zainal said community mediators are at the forefront, performing their duties proactively, transparently and at no cost, thereby helping to avoid court or enforcement intervention in minor cases that can be resolved harmoniously.

“These mediators comprise chairpersons of the Neighbourhood Watch Areas (KRT), who are specifically trained and certified by JPNIN as initial or preliminary assistants in case of any disputes in the community.

"They act pro bono, meaning without payment and voluntarily. They are appointed to reduce issues or conflicts at the community level before they become more serious," he said to reporters after attending the Penang State Level Community Mediator Dialogue Session here today.

He said there are 47 active community mediators in Penang, and the JPNIN will continue to train chairpersons or new KRT committee members from time to time to strengthen this role.

Meanwhile, he said today’s dialogue session involved several agencies such as the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), National Education Department (JPN), National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), and the Penang Housing Board (LPNPP), aimed at introducing the role of mediators and opening up collaboration opportunities between the agencies and JPNIN.

“Sometimes domestic issues in schools or police stations such as misunderstandings, minor arguments and family conflicts can be resolved without the need to go to court. Here is where the role of community mediators is important as a bridge to reaching an amicable solution between the parties involved,” he said.

At the same time, he suggested that government agencies facing community-related issues should make community mediators their initial point of reference to resolve conflicts peacefully and judiciously.

According to the National Unity Ministry, community mediators are third parties who strive to gain the acceptance of those involved in a social conflict to find points of agreement that are acceptable to all parties, with the hope that their relationships do not continue to deteriorate but instead become more positive.

-- BERNAMA