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KUCHING: The Ministry of Women, Children and Community Wellbeing (KPWK) is actively working to solve homelessness problems in Sarawak. This year, four Homeless Transit Places (TTG) will start operations in Sibu, Kuching, Bintulu, and Miri.
According to KPWK Minister, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, the TTG in Sibu is already running smoothly, while the Kuching TTG is expected to start very soon. The Bintulu and Miri centres are still under construction, but both should be completed within this year.
She explained that the Sarawak Government is very concerned about homeless individuals and wants to ensure they have safe, comfortable temporary shelters. These shelters are not only for sleeping but also provide basic needs like showers, meals, and health checks.
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“If we find any homeless person struggling with drugs, they will be referred to the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK). For those with mental health issues, they will get help from Sentosa Hospital,” she said during a press conference after chairing the first Kuching TTG Advisory Board Meeting at Baitulmakmur 2 Building on Monday.
Dato Sri Fatimah also stressed that TTG will offer skills training to the homeless based on their talents and abilities. The goal is to help them find jobs and become independent again. For those without proper identification, the Ministry will work with the National Registration Department (JPN) to sort out their documents. Eligible individuals will also receive support through the Sarawak Basic Needs Contribution (SKAS) programme.
She added that the success of these TTGs will be measured by how many homeless individuals are able to leave the streets and rebuild their lives with dignity.
In the same event, Dato Sri Fatimah witnessed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing between the Kuching Division Resident, Dayang Joanita Azizah Abang Morshidi, and Hidayah Centre Foundation (HCF) Board Member, Datin Dr. Amalina Abdullah.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Mohamad Razi Sitam, KPWK Permanent Secretary Datu Felicia Tan Ya Hua, Sarawak Social Welfare Department Director Semawi Mohamad, and representatives from MBKS, DBKU, and HCF Sarawak. – UKAS