By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, Aug 29: Habitat for Indigenous Development and Urban Program (Hidup)’s aspiration for a community and rehabilitation centre could soon be realised following positive response from the state government.
According to Hidup chairman George Young Si Ricord Junior, Welfare and Community Wellbeing Assistant Minister, Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, has given positive feedback in assisting the association with the setting up of its community rehabilitation centre (Pusat Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti or PPDK).
The centre, “PPDK Hidup Mesra Teng Bukap”, will cater for the needs of the less fortunate individuals, he added.
“During the meeting, Datuk Harden stated that he would like to personally visit the designated PPDK (rehabilitation centre) premise in Teng Bukap to better understand the extent of renovation.
“Before adjourning the meeting, Datuk Harden reiterated to the committee that he will do his utmost to assist with the setting up of PPDK Hidup Mesra Teng Bukap,” George told DayakDaily, here, today.
According to him, the said premises has been abandoned and neglected since 2011 and following the relocation of the local agencies from Teng Bukap, the building has been vandalised extensively.
He said Harden applauded the initiative taken by Hidup to set up a centre in Teng Bukap to serve the communities from 22 villages living within the surrounding area.
As such, George said the organisation has been seeking donation and contribution from the local corporate sector. Hidup is looking to raise more than RM300,000 to repair the dilapidated government quarters in Teng Bukap, which has been approved as its centre for the less fortunate.
Currently, 28 individuals with disabilities have registered with PPDK Hidup Mesra Teng Bukap.
Some of these individuals, aged between 6 and 18 comprises an individual with hearing impaired, one with vision impaired and six individuals with Cerebral Palsy. Currently they are temporarily rehabilitated at PPDK Bestari Siburan.
Hidup’s proposed PPDK centre will cater to individuals with special needs as mandated by the Welfare Department.
PPDK Hidup Mesra Teng Bukap could be reached at 0111-8580528 or 0111-8990528. — DayakDaily
