JASIN: The Melaka branch of the Department of National Unity and National Integration (JPNIN) aims to establish 15 Progressive Rukun Tetangga bases (RTPs) in the state to strengthen the economy of the communities by end of this year.
Its director Intan Suhana Yusoff said as of last year, six RTPs were formed, namely the Kampung Bukit Nibong RTP and the Bukit Rambai RTP in Melaka Tengah district; Kampung Gadek RTP and the Taman Permatang Indah RTP in Alor Gajah as well as the Kampung Berangan Enam RTP and the Felda Kemendor RTP in Jasin.
“This year, nine RTPs will be established and six of them have been approved, namely the Taman Tambak Paya RTP, Taman Paya Rumput Jaya RTP, Banda Hilir RTP, Taman Mutiara/Sutera RTP, Kampung Pengkalan Balak RTP and Taman Bemban Utama RTP.
“RTPs carry out economic activities, including agriculture such as lemongrass and mushroom cultivation as well as catfish farming,” she told Bernama here today.
She was speaking after the Kampung Berangan Enam 2025 Rukun Tetangga (KRT) ‘Sentuhan Perpaduan dan Aspirasi Digital’ ceremony which was also attended by Merlimau assemblyman Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh, who is also the State Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security Committee chairman.
Intan Suhana said this year, the selection of the RTPs was based on their achievements in mobilising economic activities based on available resources without relying entirely on government allocations or assistance, thus setting an example for other KRTs in their efforts to raise the economic status of members and the local community.
Meanwhile, she said RTPs are also encouraged to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to increase production and make the RTPs more progressive, competitive and resilient in line with the latest technological developments.
She said that so far, two RTPs in Melaka, the Kampung Berangan Enam RTP (agricultural activities) and Kampung Gadek RTP (poultry farming) have used IoT technology in collaboration with the Bukit Beruang Community College and the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA).
“It is part of the Ministry of National Unity’s vision for every RTP established to mobilise its economic sector with the latest technology such as IoT and AI.
“This initiative provides added value to the RTP in various aspects, including increasing agricultural production, saving time and energy, thus becoming an example or reference for other RTPs,” she said.
Meanwhile, Dr Muhamad Akmal said the state government always welcomes collaboration with various parties, especially universities or institutes of higher learning (IPT) in the state, in efforts to elevate the agricultural and livestock sectors through innovative and technological products.
He said the products were believed to be able to help the sectors involved, thus elevating the products produced by local universities and IPTs from just being displayed or used as references.
“Last year, we collaborated with Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in shrimp and mussel farming in the state’s waters and previously we also succeeded in producing our own rice and Melaka Rice seeds.
“I am confident that with the use of technology, agriculture will no longer be a loss-making sector but will instead provide profitable returns compared to other jobs,” he said. — BERNAMA
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
