Minister: Why PPS when there is Rukun Tetangga?
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Joseph Kurup today said that there is no need for the Penang government to set up the Voluntary Patrol Unit extra-legally as there is already Rukun Tetangga.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Joseph Kurup today said that there is no need for the Penang government to set up the Voluntary Patrol Unit extra-legally as there is already Rukun Tetangga.
"This (Rukun Tetangga) is a planned and organized initiative by the federal government since 1975," he said, noting that the Rukun Tetangga is gazetted in law.
The Pensiangan MP added that there was no need for the establishment of another body for the same purpose as it will create problems and disrupt peace.
"If there is any other bodies that were formed outside the gazetted laws, this can cause conflicts which will affect the public unity and harmony," he said.
Kurup (right) said the Voluntary Patrolling Scheme (SRS) under Rukun Tetangga is to assist authorities in curbing crimes and social ills in residential areas.
He said that through the Rukun Tetangga Act established in 2012, the voluntary body has worked closely with government bodies as well as NGO’s.
"Rukun Tetangga and SRS has always worked together with government agencies as well as NGO’s based on existing laws and the Rukun Tetangga Act 2012."
PPS came into the limelight after it was declared unlawful by the inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar as it is not registered with the Registrar of Societies.
Penang executive councilor in charge of PPS Phee Boon Poh, DAP MP and PPS deputy commander Ng Wei Aik and 156 PPS members have been arrested as a result.
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