Sarawak records 1,101 KRT across the state

KUCHING, 24 October: Sarawak recorded 1,101 Neighborhood Rukun Areas (KRT), the third highest in Malaysia after Sabah with 1,141 KRT and Selangor with 1,126 KRT.

Union Minister, Dato Sri Aaron Ago Dagang said that the government continues to strengthen the role of KRT as a unification driver at the root level through increasing annual grant allocations to support implementation of community activities.

"The government announced an increase in the Active Neighbourhood Relief (KRT) Grant from RM6,000 to RM10,000 per annum from 2027, which is an increase of 66.7 percent after the grant rate was maintained for 13 years", he said.

He said this while addressing the closing session of the Sarawak State Level Neighbourhood Relief Convention 2026 here on Saturday.

According to him, the government has channelled RM250 million in grants to KRT across the country over the period 2022 to 2026.

Aaron said a total of 101,157 activities were carried out by KRT across the country last year, covering cultural, volunteerism, community economy, education and security.

However, he said about 500 KRTs across the country are still inactive and urged the Department of National Unity and Integration (JPNIN) to draw up special guidelines for reactivating the area, including through leadership strengthening and population engagement.

In related developments, Sarawak also recorded the highest number of Progressive KRTs in the country, totalling 63 areas since its implementation in 2024.

Selangor and Terengganu recorded 62 KRTs respectively.

According to Aaron, a total of 760 economic projects are being driven by KRT Progressive across the country, including the production of food products, crafts and local small businesses to generate additional income for the community.

He also urged JPNIN to help expand the marketing of KRT products through e-commerce platforms like Shopee, Lazada and TikTok Shop, as well as strengthen digital marketing training and local product branding.

He hoped that the ongoing efforts to empower KRT will ensure that the organization remains relevant as a platform for integration, economic development and improvement of community well-being at the root level. -TVS