Hasnol Zam Zam (second from left) at the Putrajaya PMK launch. With him are (from left) Che Roslan, Fadlun and ACP Aidi Sham. — Photos: AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
Public can get free assist on dealing with community disputes
PUTRAJAYA has a new community mediation centre (PMK) that will serve as a dedicated space for the public to seek help on community matters.
The disputes handled by the centre are those affecting residential areas and neighbourly relations.
These include parking space, pets, use of common areas and misunderstandings among neighbours.
At the PMK located in Putrajaya’s Precinct 5, the public can get free advice from 33 trained mediators who are based in the administrative capital.
The PMK was set up via a collaboration between the National Unity and National Integration Department (JPNIN), the property management division of the Prime Minister’s Department, and Putrajaya Corporation.
“Community mediation is an effective way to resolve disputes in a peaceful and considerate manner, without having to go through complicated and time-consuming legal processes,” National Unity Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad said at the opening of the centre.
Also present were JPNIN director-general Datuk Che Roslan Che Daud, Putrajaya Corporation president Datuk Fadlun Mak Ujud and Putrajaya district police chief Asst Comm Aidi Sham Mohamed.
“Through this approach, conflicting parties are given the chance to discuss and reach a fair resolution in a win-win situation,” said Hasnol Zam Zam.
“Mediation is very important in maintaining relationships within the community, especially in a diverse society like Malaysia’s.
Khairul Salleh: A mediator has to be patient, fair and impartial.
“The role of a professional and neutral mediator will help prevent minor disputes from escalating into major conflicts that can affect community harmony,” he said.
He added that JPNIN introduced mediation services in 2007.
To-date, there are 571 certified community mediators nationwide who provide their services pro-bono.
They comprise community members and religious leaders who have undergone training and are certified in mediation skills.
“The mediation process also helps to educate the community about the importance of tolerance and understanding in resolving issues that may arise due to differences in views, culture or beliefs.
“Besides conflicts regarding strata and landed properties, mediators can also assist with issues related to cultural or religious conflicts.
“Many of these problems are due to a lack of communication and understanding,” explained Hasnol Zam Zam.
Pointing out that there are eight community mediation centres nationwide, he said mediation services could also be done at “neutral places” such as community halls or through on-site meetings.
“A total of 111 cases have been mediated as of October this year.
“There are plans to open more PMK but that is subject to availability of space and volunteers.
“Being a mediator is a form of volunteerism; people of different ages and backgrounds are welcomed to undergo training to be mediators,” he added.
For Khairul Salleh Hasan, becoming a mediator was a natural next step for him after being involved in his Kampung Malaysia Raya community in Kuala Lumpur for over 30 years.
“I have undergone several types of mediation training which featured the use of sociology, psychology and communications,” said the 58-year-old who has been involved in mediation since 2010.
“As one of the mediators attached to Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s PMK, I also mediate neighbours’ disputes such as those involving pets, parking spaces, physical obstructions and other arguments.
“Our team of five mediators has settled about 90% of the estimated 2,500 cases since the KL centre was set up in 2018,” he added.
Khairul Salleh said a mediator has to be patient, fair and impartial.
“A mediator cannot give advice and opinions, or make the decision.
“We ask open questions and try to generate options.
“The affected parties can decide on one of these options or come up with different ones, but they must have their own solutions,” he said.
The Putrajaya PMK is located at Kuarters Perumahan Penjawat Awam 5R1.
It is open from 8am to 5pm daily, and mediations are by appointment only.
To make an appointment, call 03-8883 7156 or email ppnputrajaya@perpaduan.gov.my
