By Chris Teh
As the flagship programme of the National Community Policy (also known as Dasar Komuniti Negara), the National Community Day was held on February 28 and 29 at Indera Mulia Stadium, Ipoh by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government.
The programme, commemorating strategic partners and their efforts in empowering and creating a sustainable community, was also to motivate residents of People’s Housing Project (PPR) to be more involved in organising activities.
In his officiating speech, Chief Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, Dato’ Seri Haji Mohammad Bin Mentek congratulated Perak for being the first state to host the National Community Day celebration.
“The Ministry has decided to annually organise the National Community Day this year onwards every February,” he said. “For starters, 19 housing projects were selected as pioneers of the community in line with the National Community Policy.
“The eight major emphases under the policy are infrastructure and maintenance; cleanliness, environment and health; safety; education and skills; concern towards children, senior citizens, single mothers, women, the disabled and unfortunate; entrepreneurship and social business; social service; and sports and recreation,” Haji Mohamad specified.
Other programmes such as Fun Ride @ Ipoh City and popup art book were also organised to augment the main event.