MIRI, Feb 8: A task force for tackling issues pertaining to homeless persons who found loitering at Old Man Street in Miri has been established today.
According to Miri mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang, who earlier chaired a special meeting with the task force committee members, the formation of the task force is also aimed to develop the area into a tourist attraction, besides solving homeless issues holistically in the Old Man Street area.
The task force will consist of personnel from the Miri City Council (MCC), police, Health Department of Miri Hospital, Miri Welfare department (JKM), Miri Resident’s office and the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK).
It would be lead by Cr Leslie Lau.
“We (MCC) have identified Old Man Street to be developed as a tourist attraction in Miri, in fact, the city council has requested for funding amounting to RM1.5 million from the Tourism Ministry Malaysia for the initiative,” he told reporters today.
“We want to transform the street into a beautiful tourist attraction, and through this initiative, we are planning to put up more lighting in the area apart, from conducting routine patrols and engaging with the traders in that area to arrange for some events during the night,” he said.
Yii believed that when the area is clean and brighter, it would deter homeless persons from loitering there.
He also proposed for the Petronas Sports Village at Jalan Datuk Tuah Johari to be used as a temporary shelter to house homeless persons that were found loitering along the five-foot-ways at Old Man Street. — DayakDaily
