By Ling Hui
KUCHING, Nov 9: Miri tops the list of the number of homeless by division and district in Sarawak with 42 out of a total of 145 homeless people recorded in 15 districts.
These statistics were presented by Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah when she said the Sarawak government came to the rescue of these 145 homeless people during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period from March 18 to May 31.
“The Ministry of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development, together with our strategic partners have conducted various operations to locate and save the homeless during the MCO period.
“Our record shows that a total of 145 homeless people were saved and placed at various temporary shelters provided by the government during this time.
“They were also provided with assistance such as food, portable tents, hygiene kits and sleeping bags,” she explained during the question-and-answer session at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here today.
She revealed this in response to Bukit Assek assemblywoman Irene Mary Chang Oi Ling’s question on the ministry’s long and short-term measures to address and eradicate the social problem of homeless people during the Covid-19 pandemic.
At the same time, Fatimah also responded to Dudong assemblyman Datuk Tiong Thai King who questioned the status of planning to set up the safe haven for the homeless project (TSG) in Sibu.
She said the TSG was one of the long-term measures by her ministry to mitigate the issue of homelessness in the state.
She added, starting with a TSG pilot project in Sibu with an approved allocation of RM793,623, the state government has approved the establishment of the safe haven at Rumah Majlis Kebajikan dan Sukan Anggota-Anggota Kerajaan Malaysia (Maksak) at Jalan Sanyan, Sibu.
“As of today, the layout plan and design of this TSG has been finalised and endorsed by the ministry.
“This project is in the process of tendering by Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) as the implementing agency.
“Meanwhile, Persatuan Amal Shan Xin Malaysia, Sibu Branch has been appointed as the anchor NGO (non-governmental organisation) to manage the TSG once it has been completed,” said Fatimah. — DayakDaily
