SIBU, April 21: Homeless individuals at the temporary transit center (TTG) in Jalan Sanyan will now be able to apply for a RM200 a month rental assistance offered by the State government should they wish to rent a place of their own.
According to Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Michael Tiang, he would assist them with applying for the aid.
“As the deputy minister of the ministry, I can offer my assistance to the TTG as it is just a transit centre and not a permanent place for the homeless individuals. When they move out to make a living, they do not have to worry that they can’t afford rent,” he said during a breaking of fast session with the homeless last night.
Tiang said the monthly rental assistance will last for 36 months.
He also praised 12 non-governmental organisations (NGO) for voluntarily helping in the running and management of the centre.
He said they have also been giving out food baskets to the centre.
“The best way for NGOs to distribute the food baskets is for them to work with the TTG to design a programme where they could take turns in giving out the aid,” he suggested.
The Pelawan assemblyman also commended the centre, which he said is the best model for similar centres which would be set up in Kuching, Bintulu and Miri in the future.
At the function, Tiang presented a government grant of RM10,000 which was received by TTG chairman Kapitan Teng Ing Chang. T
he event also saw Petronas donating RM3,000 while a community leader, Kapitan Connie Loh gave a personal donation of RM2,000 to the centre. — DayakDaily
