SIBU – The community-based Rukun Tetangga initiative has marked its 50th anniversary, with a major celebration in Sibu reinforcing its enduring role in fostering neighbourhood safety and social cohesion.
The Golden Jubilee event, orchestrated by the Sarawak National Unity and Integration Department (JPNIN), drew an estimated 600 attendees to the Kingwood Hotel for an evening recognising decades of voluntary service.
In a keynote address, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee, the Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak, reflected on the profound, grassroots origins of the movement’s values.
He shared personal recollections of his upbringing in Sibu, where the community instinctively operated on principles of collective security and mutual support, long before such concepts were formalised.
“I still remember the sound of the Rukun Tetangga whistle. It was not a sign of danger, but a symbol of safety with neighbours looking out for each other, cleaning the surroundings together and sharing a cup of tea on the front porch,” he recounted.
The Deputy Minister asserted that this innate sense of unity and kindness among neighbours predates any official national slogan or policy framework.
He drew a direct line from these organic community practices to the modern national concept of Malaysia Madani, stating that the spirit was already alive within local communities before it was officially named.
He paid tribute to the countless Rukun Tetangga volunteers, describing them as unsung heroes whose sincere efforts form the backbone of secure and caring neighbourhoods.
Despite contemporary challenges, including the rise of digital fraud and increasing social isolation, Datuk Michael Tiang argued that the nation’s fundamental strength continues to rely on local-level solidarity.
He emphasised that while government is responsible for infrastructure and policy, the crucial bonds between residents must be forged by the people themselves, a task for which Rukun Tetangga is uniquely positioned.
The gathering was also attended by senior officials including Sarawak JPNIN Director Dirwana Azool and Sibu Division Unity Officer Jendri Mangku. In his remarks, Dirwana underscored the importance of passing the movement’s legacy on to younger generations.
He stressed that engaging youth is essential for ensuring the continuity of this community framework, which provides a robust foundation for national unity in the future.
The Golden Jubilee celebration served as both a retrospective honouring the contributions of past and present volunteers and a forward-looking reaffirmation of the movement’s principles.
It highlighted a continued commitment to preserving peace, strengthening local networks, and nurturing mutual respect among Malaysians from all backgrounds. The event stands as a testament to a half-century of dedicated community service across Sarawak.
