KUCHING – The Sarawak government has approved RM1.3 million to strengthen the operations of four Homeless Transit Centres (TTG) across the state, marking a significant step in addressing homelessness through structured support and facilities.
The allocation covers centres in Kuching and Sibu, which are already operational, as well as two new facilities in Bintulu and Miri expected to open later this year.
According to Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, Minister of Women, Children and Community Wellbeing, the decision was based on field observations that identified the distribution and needs of homeless individuals in key urban areas.
“The allocation application we submitted is for all four TTGs because all of them will be operational. Distribution is made according to the needs in an area and the number of homeless people identified,” she explained during a press briefing after attending the Kuching Division Sejambak Kasih Aidilfitri ceremony.
The funding will be used to provide essential services such as sleeping facilities, daily meals, and allowances for supervisors and staff.
Fatimah stressed that the centres are designed to ensure homeless individuals no longer have to sleep on pavements, offering them a safe place to rest, eat, and receive appropriate assistance.
Early results from the initiative have shown encouraging signs, with a noticeable reduction in the number of homeless people in areas where enforcement and support operations are concentrated. Fatimah noted that this reflects the positive impact of the TTG programme in providing structured intervention.
She also emphasised the importance of trained personnel in managing the centres, particularly when dealing with individuals facing mental health challenges.
“Some of them have mental health issues and can become aggressive. That is why this operation needs to be handled by trained staff to ensure the safety of all parties,” she added.
The TTG in Kuching currently accommodates up to 100 residents. Due to location constraints, it operates from a rented shop lot but still provides separate facilities for men and women to ensure comfort and safety.
Community advocates have welcomed the government’s commitment, highlighting that homelessness requires not only shelter but also professional support systems.
The establishment of centres in multiple divisions demonstrates a broader strategy to tackle the issue across Sarawak, ensuring that vulnerable groups receive consistent care and opportunities for reintegration.
With the expansion of TTGs in Bintulu and Miri, Sarawak is expected to strengthen its social safety net further, offering more comprehensive coverage for those in need.
The initiative underscores the government’s long-term vision of addressing homelessness through both infrastructure and human-centred approaches.
