KUCHING: Gadgets and state-of-the-art security system alone are not enough to prevent housebreaking and robberies.

READY: Yong flagging off the joggerthon participants.

Deputy Works Minister Datuk Yong Khoon Seng, who pointed this out yesterday, said an effective and efficient neighbour­hood watch committee (RT) would help ensure a residential area and settlement remained safe and crime-free.

Speaking at an event organised by the RT of Green Heights/Borneo Garden which is a luxury residential area here, he said the security and harmony of the neighbour­hood could only be ensured if the residents interacted and worked together within the RT.

He pointed out that while most of the houses at the Green Heights/Borneo Garden area were equipped with state-of-the-art security system, the neighbourhood principle was still applicable in the prevention of break-ins and thefts.

“It is pertinent in the event of discovery of any such happening, the RT com­mittee and the police need to be alerted immediately.

“This is why everyone in the neighbourhood should get to know each other and interact to create unity among the people within the area.

“Having an active RT is important for the neighbourhood as it will help to prevent any untoward incident such as thefts and break-ins,” he said at the 1Green Borneo joggerthon and gotong royong organised by Green Heights/ Borneo Garden RT committee.

Yong, who is Stampin Member of Parliament, called on the people residing in Green Heights/Borneo Garden to enrol as members of the RT committee.

“You should not only fulfil your duties as members, but also play effective roles in strengthening the organi­sation thereby ensuring peace and harmony in the area,” he added.

The joggerthon which was flagged off by Yong in front of Green Heights Mall was participated by around 80 people.

Apart from the joggerthon and gotong-royong, a lion dance presentation and ‘The Big Chow Down’ eating and drinking competition were also held at the front parking lot of Green Heights Mall.

Director of the Department of Unity and National Integration Rajali Mudin, Green Heights/Borneo Garden RT advisor Alexander Linggi and Green Heights Mall general manager Alister Smith were among those present.