Japerun brings government services closer to Melaka communities

MELAKA: For many, the name Japerun may sound unfamiliar, but in Melaka, it is close to the hearts of the people and synonymous with their daily lives.

An abbreviation for the State Legislative Assembly Development and Coordination Committee, Japerun is an important grassroots institution that serves as a bridge between the state government and local communities.

Established in all 28 state constituencies, Japerun was initiated during the administration of Tan Sri Rahim Thamby Chik, who was Chief Minister from 1982 to 1994.

It continues to serve as a 'gateway' for residents to access government services, providing a place where they can seek information, obtain assistance with filling out forms and have their needs referred to their elected representatives and relevant agencies.

For Chong Boon Hee, 81, his experience of receiving assistance through Japerun inspired him to help others who need support in dealing with government matters, particularly with filling out forms and identifying the relevant agencies to address their concerns.

"All kinds of forms are available at Japerun. It makes things easier for elderly people like us who do not know how to use computers, are unfamiliar with filling out numerous forms and have never approached government officers for assistance.

"Besides, it is difficult for elderly people and persons with disabilities (PwDs) to travel to and from the Social Welfare Department office.

"So, whenever my friends face problems, such as applying for welfare assistance, I take them directly to the Japerun staff. They can help find a way to resolve the issues," he said.

Tengkera resident Siti Aisyah Abu Bakar, 34, said assistance from Japerun staff from the early stages had made it easier for her to apply to the Social Welfare Department for disposable diapers for her uncle, who is a person with disabilities.

"I have been dealing with Japerun Kota Laksamana for the past 10 months regarding the application for disposable diaper assistance. So far, the process has been smooth and the service provided has also been good.

"It is very convenient because I only need to go to one place. It saves time and energy, especially for those who face transportation constraints," she said.

Japerun Kota Laksamana secretary Mohd Shahril Yahya said Japerun's uniqueness lay in its role as a link between the community and the government administration in their respective areas.

"It is as though Seri Negeri (the state administrative centre) is brought to every state constituency. At Japerun, residents can obtain systematic guidance to resolve various matters, including welfare assistance, assistance for persons with disabilities, house repairs and disaster relief.

"They only need to come forward and lodge a report. The staff themselves will help complete the necessary documents before the applications are submitted to the relevant agencies.

"This is one of the main objectives behind the establishment of Japerun, which is to reduce the need for residents to travel long distances just to obtain preliminary information, particularly those facing financial and transportation constraints.

"Elected representatives or state constituency coordinators are also regularly present at Japerun and can hear residents' problems directly. There is no need for them to travel all the way to Seri Negeri to meet their representatives," he said.

However, he said the role of providing assistance should be distinguished from the authority to approve applications, which remained subject to eligibility assessments and the procedures of the respective agencies.

"Coordination with the district administration, penghulu (village heads) and Village Development and Security Committees (JPKK) also enables residents' needs to be identified and referred for appropriate action according to the respective agencies' jurisdictions.

"For example, during floods, the office can remain open beyond official operating hours to coordinate assistance with the district office and Social Welfare Department.

"There have also been instances where Japerun helped secure temporary accommodation at transit homes for residents forced to leave their rented houses, as an interim solution to their housing problems," he said. — BERNAMA