Rukun Tetangga

LAWS REQUIREMENTS & NEED (RUKUN TETANGGA)

BACKGROUND

The Rukun Tetangga scheme was introduced in 1975 under the Committee of the Need Regulations (Rukun Tetangga) 1975. In its early stages, its function was to ensure the safety of the people by constantly patrolling residential areas. These patrols consisted of residents of the community aged 18 to 55.

On the 1st of January 1983, the Government introduced reforms, stressing the Neighbour Concept , which aimed at strengthening team spirit in the community. Following this, the Need Regulation (Rukun Tetangga) 1975 was amended to accommodate Rukun Tetangga’s new purposes.

In the Year 2000, Rukun Tetangga was given a wider mandate , namely Building a Holistic Community, which is aimed at promoting National Unity.

VISION

HELPING TO CREATE A UNITED MALAYSIAN PEOPLE IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE VISION 2020.

MISSION

PROMOTING UNDERSTANDING AND TOLERANCE IN ORDER TO DEVELOP A UNITED MALAYSIAN PEOPLE WITH A UNIQUE IDENTITY.

OBJECTIVE

TO PROTECT, RAISE AND STRENGTHEN THE UNITY OF THE PEOPLE AND NATIONAL INTEGRATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NATION ACCORDING TO THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION AND THE NATIONAL PRINCIPLES.

MOTTO

UNITED WE ADVANCE

UNIFYING THE NATION VIA THE RUKUN TETANGGA

WORKING TOGETHER BRINGS BENEFITS

UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY

NATIONAL UNITY

THE MEANING OF NEIGHBOURLINESS

Neighbourliness is the desire to live together in harmony, respecting and helping each other through societies such as Rukun Tetangga, Residents’ Unions and the Committee for the Advancement and Safety of Villages amongst others in order for the advancement of both the community and the nation.

FEATURES OF NEIGHBOURLINESS

1.	One who is proud of and who cares about his place or residence.
2.	Neighbours who are friendly with one another and who meet often who develop an attitude of helpfulness to each other.
3.	A sense of solidarity amongst all members of a community.
4.	Residents who feel responsible for maintaining peace and harmony in their community.
5.	Residents who take it upon themselves to maintain public amenities and the cleanliness and beauty of their community.
6.	Residents who agree to take part in activities which benefit the whole community.
7.	Setting up a Committee representing the residents which is responsible for matters of welfare.
8.	Setting up a body responsible for addressing the grievances of residents.

NOBLE VALUES

	Being principled		Having a noble spirit
	Patience		Consideration
	Morality		Helpfulness
	Trustworthiness		Responsibility
	Sympathy		Empathy
	Being self-sacrificing		Friendliness
	Being cultured		Being able to compromise
	Harmoniousness		Politeness
	Being united in one spirit		Being loving
	Solidarity		Respectfulness
	Having a willingness to cooperate for the good of the community		Having a willingness to visit those in need
	Tolerance		Belief
	Being welcoming		Having belief in comradeship
	Agreeability		Being well-mannered
	Being able to work together		Thankfulness
	Discpline		Selflessness
	Having good intentions

A NEIGHBOUR’S RIGHTS

In accordance with an Islamic perspective:

1.	A neighbour who does not have familial or religious ties has only the right of the neighbour.
2.	A neighbour who is of the same religion as oneself has both a neighbour’s and a coreligionist’s rights.
3.	A neighbour who is a coreligionist and a family member has the rights of a family member, a coreligionist and a neighbour.

WHO THEN, IS THY NEIGHBOUR?

One’s own family, those in the immediate vicinity of one’s house, and those in the same community.

Rukun Tetangga Roles for Community

Rukun Tetangga (RT) groups nationwide should diversify their activities, especially in education, to produce a knowledgeable society, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Joseph Entulu Belaun said Tuesday.

He said a knowledgeable society was important to mould citizens who could contribute to the country's growth and the RT should hold educational seminars on issues like parenting skills.

"Such programmes are greatly beneficial because aside from guiding parents in creating happy families, they could also foster harmony," he said at the launch of the RT centre in Taman Kelebang Jaya, Chemor, near here.

His speech was delivered by Manjoi state assemblyman Datuk Nadzri Ismail.

Calling for improvements in RT or neighbourhood watch activities, Entulu said: "Everyone should have the determination to raise the status of RT as a progressive entity which can compete with other well-known non-governmental organisations.

"RT centres should be made into meeting points for all strata of society to exchange ideas, hold courses or expand their minds towards creating happy families", he said.

-- BERNAMA