8,615 KRT Nationwide To Benefit From Annual Grant Increase - Aaron

KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 (Bernama) -- A total of 8,615 neighbourhood watch areas (KRT) nationwide will see strengthened operational capacity following the announcement that the annual KRT grant has been raised from RM6,000 to RM10,000.

National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the increase reflects strong recognition of the KRT's role as a community institution that has been a driver of unity, harmony and social well-being for over five decades.

“The increase in the grant reflects the MADANI Government’s commitment to empowering grassroots movements, which are the driving force behind the building of a united and progressive society,” he said in a statement today.

Earlier today, during the MADANI KITA programme with KRT in Dataran Segamat, Johor, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the increase in the annual KRT grant nationwide to RM10,000, to be disbursed starting Jan 1, 2027.

Elaborating, Aaron said the community movement under the Ministry of National Unity has been reinforced through various initiatives involving about 250,000 KRT members, which benefited more than 12 million Malaysians, with over 100,000 community activities conducted over the past year.

“The increase in the annual grant is expected to strengthen the capacity and effectiveness of KRT in delivering higher-impact programmes, including unity activities, community development, welfare, education, neighbourhood security, volunteerism and local economic empowerment.

“The initiative will also make it possible for more programmes that directly benefit the public to be implemented at the grassroots level,” he said.

He also emphasised that neighbourliness is the cornerstone of national unity, and that close relations among neighbours regardless of race, religion or background represent Malaysia’s real strength as a diverse nation.

He added that KRT has demonstrated its role as a platform for bringing people together, fostering trust among communities and solidifying social ties that underpin national harmony.

The ministry is committed to ensuring the additional funding is optimally utilised, Aaron said, so that KRT remains a key agent of unity, strengthens the Malaysia MADANI spirit, and contributes to the development of a peaceful, united and prosperous country.

-- BERNAMA