Garage sale to foster unity among neighbours

THE Rukun Tetangga of Section 6 hosted a garage sale on a Sunday morning recently to foster better neighbourhood ties. 

The sale did not take place in any of the residents' garages, but  held at the RT beat base there instead.

Residents sold  items such as clothes, children's toys, second-hand books, paintings, accessories,  as well as food and drinks.

The RT was revived three years ago after years of dormancy.

The event, held for the first time, managed to attract about 150 residents  who took the opportunity to mingle and chat.

 Section 6 RT chairman Rajesh Mansukhlal said the objective of the garage sale was to get to know the neighbours living in their section and those from  neighbouring sections.

"Residents who sold some of their  items were happy over the support shown.

"We will try to host this event more frequently. The garage sale was not profit-orientated.

"Instead, it was to encourage residents to familiarise themselves with one another," said Rajesh.

Residents who took part in the sale were also encouraged to donate a small sum to the RT. The fund will be channelled towards a charitable body.

 Section 6 RT vice-chairman K. Chandrashekaran said some of the RT members went door-to-door to drop leaflets in mail boxes to inform residents of the event.

"We used to feel like strangers, but  an event such as this allows us to bond better," said Chandrashekaran.

Section 6 RT secretary Sheila Kuppusamy said  despite the school holidays, many turned up for the event. She added  Unity Petaling district officer Shaik Zaiful Nizam Shaik Mansoor's presence was a morale booster for residents.

Shaik Zaiful represents an umbrella body under the Department of National Unity and Integration.

He said the objective of his department was to foster unity among all races.

"Section 6 residents have set a good example. Festive celebrations and sports activities are among the other types of events that can help bring a community closer," he said.

Shaik Zaiful added the department has a yearly allocation of RM4,800 for each of the registered RTs,  which will also be offered incentives for events organised.

He also cited the example of the Taman Gasing Indah RT which managed to reduce its neighbourhood's crime rate since their active involvement to unite residents.

"In 2009, the neighbourhood recorded a high number of crimes.

"However, since  its RT became active, the crime rate had dropped by 90 per cent. We have the police records to  prove this," he said.

Section 6 RT assistant treasurer Datuk Dr Johnny Chai said he does not like the idea of private security as practiced in some neighbourhoods.

"We need to promote unity instead of opting for private security to safeguard our houses. Not many  can afford private security.

"But when the residents are close and stay connected, we can look out for one another," he said.