From neighbour disputes to legal reform, Malaysia moves to strengthen community mediation

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 — The Ministry of National Unity is reviewing the Mediation Act 2012 to develop a more robust legal foundation for community mediation services under the National Unity and Integration Department. The current section of the Rukun Tetangga Act 2012 does not adequately support these services, prompting the government to seek improvements.

Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang has invited JPNIN to collaborate on amendments to the Act, proposing comparisons with legal frameworks in countries like Singapore, India, and Sri Lanka. These countries have enacted specific legislation, such as Singapore's Community Mediation Centres Act 1997 and Sri Lanka's Mediation Boards Act 1988, which could guide Malaysia's approach.

The government plans to open 12 new Community Mediation Centres across the nation, aiming to provide local information, preliminary advice, and alternative dispute resolution channels. These centres will focus on early conflict identification and resolution, preventing escalation into more serious disputes. The Seri Kota Public Housing Community Mediation Centre, the eleventh of its kind, was chosen based on population size, available facilities, community demand, and the need to tackle neighbourhood issues.