By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 19: A homeless transit centre (TTG) in Miri is currently undergoing refurbishment and is expected to begin operations by July, according to Sarawak Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK), Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.
The centre will be fully managed by a selected non-governmental organisation (NGO), under the supervision of an appointed advisory committee, according to TVS, citing Suara Sarawak.
“We will identify the NGO through an open selection process, ensuring the chosen party understands the TTG concept and is genuinely committed to helping the homeless.
“Most importantly, they must have empathy, because managing the homeless is no easy task,” said Fatimah.
She made the remarks at a press conference following the distribution of forms for the Sarawak Endowment Fund (EFS) and Maternity Assistance (BIB) at Miri Hospital yesterday (March 18).
Fatimah said the establishment of the centre is timely in addressing the growing concern over homelessness in the State.
“Although the number of homeless individuals in Sarawak is not alarmingly high — particularly in key areas like Kuching, Sibu, and Miri — it is crucial to act early before the situation escalates,” she stressed.
She added that it is better to address the issue proactively rather than wait until the numbers reach into the thousands.
Fatimah also revealed that the homeless transit centre in Bintulu is expected to be completed later this year, while the one in Kuching is slated to begin operations by April.
The TTG in Miri, for the record, is located at the former TM Angsana Miri station. — DayakDaily
