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

Malaysian flags fly outside homes in a community housing area, reflecting the spirit of unity and neighbourly ties that community mediation centres aim to strengthen. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

First Published: Saturday, 17 Oct 2026 2:35 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 — The Ministry of National Unity (KPN) is reviewing proposed improvements to the Mediation Act 2012 to establish a clearer legal framework for strengthening community mediation services under the National Unity and Integration Department (JPNIN).

Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the Act, which falls under the Legal Affairs Division (BHEUU), does not specifically cover the operation of JPNIN’s community mediation services.

He said JPNIN’s mediation services, including training and accreditation for community mediators, were currently based on Section 8(d) of the Rukun Tetangga Act 2012.

However, the provision was insufficient to establish a comprehensive legal framework for the services.

“I have therefore asked JPNIN to meet with BHEUU to review the proposed improvements, including amendments to the Mediation Act 2012, to provide a clearer legal basis for these services,” he said.

He was speaking at the launch of the Seri Kota Public Housing Collaborative Social Project on Community Mediation here today.

Also present was Bandar Tun Razak Member of Parliament Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, the prime minister’s wife.

Aaron also called on JPNIN and the National Integration Research and Training Institute (IKLIN) to conduct comparative studies of countries with specific legal frameworks for community mediation, including Singapore, India and Sri Lanka.

He cited Singapore’s Community Mediation Centres Act 1997, India’s Mediation Act 2023 and Sri Lanka’s Mediation Boards Act 1988 as examples for comparison.

The study, he said, would help assess how legislation in these countries regulates the powers and functions of mediation bodies, mediator accreditation, mediation procedures and safeguards for parties involved.

Meanwhile, the government will expand its network of Community Mediation Centres by establishing 12 new centres at strategic locations nationwide this year, including in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah; Miri, Sarawak; Pontian, Johor; Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu; and Shah Alam, Selangor.

“These centres will serve as community reference points for information, preliminary advice and appropriate channels to resolve community issues and disputes.

“This approach will help identify and address conflicts early, before they escalate into more serious disputes and strain community relations,” he said.

On the Seri Kota Public Housing Community Mediation Centre, Aaron said it was JPNIN’s 11th such centre.

Its location was selected based on several factors, including a population of nearly 6,000, available local facilities, community demand and the need to address neighbourhood issues.

He said the centre’s establishment also followed a resolution proposed at the 2024 K2K Initiative Development Strategic Workshop organised by Think City in collaboration with government agencies and stakeholders. — Bernama

* Editor’s note: The abbreviations KPN stand for Kementerian Perpaduan Negara (Ministry of National Unity); JPNIN stands for Jabatan Perpaduan Negara dan Integrasi Nasional (National Unity and Integration Department); BHEUU stands for Bahagian Hal Ehwal Undang-Undang (Legal Affairs Division); and IKLIN stands for Institut Kajian dan Latihan Integrasi Nasional (National Integration Research and Training Institute).