SINGAPORE - In a bid to tap the kampong spirit, Singaporeans will soon be able to borrow items such as wheelchairs, stools and step ladders from their Residents' Committees (RC).

A new initiative, known as Resource Centre @ RC, was launched on Saturday at Toa Payoh North Zone 1 RC and will be rolled out to 450 RCs across the island by February next year. It is modelled after a similar programme in the North East District that was launched in February last year that was well received by residents there.

Residents will be able to borrow items for up to three days for free, with the option to extend the loan further if necessary.

Although sponsors have contributed items such as first aid boxes and portable sound systems, it is hoped that residents will also share items with their neighbours through this initiative. Some residents have already expressed interest in contributing items such as walking sticks and crutches.

Minister of State for Health Mr Chee Hong Tat, who attended Saturday's launch, said: "This is a good idea to develop the kampong spirit by encouraging residents to contribute and borrow items from one another through the RC."

Added PA chief executive director Ang Hak Seng: "This is the spirit of neighbourliness our RCs are promoting."