By Brad Rantayy
MIRI, Nov 18: Sarawak Orphans Welfare Board (Peryatim) Miri has devised a temporary plan to improve the conditions of its facilities until a long-term solution is in place.
According to Peryatim Miri exco chairman Julaihi Mohamad today, the board is seeking the state government’s help to identify a relocation site for the Peryatim complex here from its current location in Permyjaya as the current location has been experiencing subsidence over the past few years.
Julaihi disclosed this during a visit by Assistant Minister for Women, Family and Childhood Development Datuk Rosey Yunus to the Miri Peryatim complex here.
“I have presented the development plan to Peryatim Sarawak patron, Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang during our recent meeting,” he disclosed.
He added, due to the land sinking problem, Peryatim Miri was forced to convert two warden blocks into student housing. It had also conducted re-piling for some of blocks that were damaged.
“The previous blocks used to accommodate our female and male students were badly damaged due to the land sinking incident, so we have to move these students to other buildings for their safety,” he explained.
Established in 2008, the Peryatim Miri complex is able to accommodate up to 150 children, but due to the subsidence problem, it has been forced to limit student numbers for safety reasons.
Currently, there are 64 children living at the complex.
“For safety reasons, we had to reject most of the submission applications to the complex…that is why, we need to relocate the complex to a new site in future, so that we can cater for children who are in need of our help,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rosey, welcomed and gave her full support to the temporary development plan proposed to improve Peryatim Miri facility.
“On their proposal to relocate Peryatim Miri to a new site, I’m giving my full support with the proposal and will do my very best to make it happen. It will take time because we have yet find suitable land for the relocation,” she said.
During her visit, Rosey presented a cheque amounting to RM10,000, 500 pieces of face masks and 100 bottles of hand sanitizers to Julaihi who received on behalf of Peryatim Miri. — DayakDaily
