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By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 27: “We like staying here because we feel free,” say a homeless duo taking shelter along the sidewalk at India Street here earlier tonight.
Speaking to Sarawak Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, the duo described the situation they were in as a path that they have willingly chosen — a strong contradiction to the public’s usual assumption that their situation was born of desperation.
The Sarawak government has introduced various initiatives to assist the homeless including the setting up of Temporary Transit Centre for the Homeless (TTG), foodbank at Community Social Support Centre (CSSC) and more.
However, the duo themselves had indirectly rejected the idea of being placed in a TTG, explaining further that they find comfort in their present situation.
Nonetheless, Fatimah offered to give them any sort of assistance that they need, after which they ended up listing basic necessities such as clothes and pillows.
Fatimah was leading an integrated “cerapan” (sighting) operation for the homeless around Kuching City earlier tonight.
The operation, organised by Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKM) and also participated by 11 other governmental bodies, aimed at getting an insight and understanding on the homeless’ situations.
“Tonight’s operation is only for “cerapan” (sighting).
“We will conduct a thorough integrated operation to rescue the homeless on Sept 2,” she said during a briefing for participants held in front of Majma Mall here.
Among other locations she visited tonight were Electra House and Kuching Waterfront. — DayakDaily
