By Norrasyidah Arshad
GOMBAK, July 14 — Following the success of the state’s latest Rewang Komuniti (community gathering) programme, Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari is eyeing hosting the event in at least 10 different locations.
So far, the initiative has been held in three locations, including the two-day event organised by the Selayang Municipal Council ending today.
The first two were held in Pandan Indah and Kota Damansara, with Hulu Langat having been identified as the next venue.
“We are targeting 10 or 11 local councils to organise this programme with a total allocation of RM500,000 a year,” he said after officiating today’s event at Taman Pinggiran Batu Caves, here.
“This initiative not only allows state officials to be closer to the community and participate in programmes together; we are also able to understand problems faced by strata residents.”
Previously, in February, state executive councillor for housing and culture Borhan Aman Shah had said that the Rewang Komuniti programme would be held in five locations this year.
The initiative was introduced last year, targeting residents of low- and medium-cost apartments.
It aims to rekindle declining communal spirit and cooperation while promoting state initiatives to the public.
At today’s programme, Amirudin also distributed food baskets to 70 residents from low-income families.
Earlier, the Menteri Besar had breakfast with locals at the Suberi Nasi Kandar restaurant in Hulu Kelang and visited the Selangor Saring programme at the Kampung Wira Damai community hall as part of his Gombak parliamentary tour.
Meanwhile, Komuniti Rewang kitchen supervisor Bokhari Hassan said the state government initiative serves as a crucial medium to strengthen relationships within the local community.
He said the communal cooking programme, for example, successfully gathered over 100 residents to prepare dishes enough for 3,000 visitors.
“Programmes like this are really good. We have six joint management bodies gathered here, so everyone is cooperating and helping each other.
"Even though there is no payment, they are willing to come and help to make this programme a success. It’s really good and should definitely be done more often,” he said when met yesterday.