By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, March 3: You’ll never walk alone—this is the promise Sarawak is making to its homeless population as the State government ramps up efforts to provide shelter and support.
With the launch of the Tempat Transit Gelandangan (TTG), or Homeless Transit Centre, in Kuching this month, those without a roof over their heads will now have a safe space to rebuild their lives.
“Currently, my ministry, in collaboration with other strategic partners, has successfully operated the TTG in Sibu Division.
“The TTG in Kuching will be operational in March this year, while the TTGs in Bintulu and Miri are still undergoing renovation and construction, which are expected to be completed later this year,” said Sarawak Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK), Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, during a press conference held today at Baitul Makmur II Building in Petra Jaya here.
The press conference was held after the minister witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Sarawak government and Hidayah Centre Foundation (HCF) for the operation of TTG Kuching, designating the foundation as the non-governmental organisation (NGO) responsible for managing the centre.
Fatimah further emphasised that homelessness remains one of Sarawak’s 13 key social issues.
“Sarawak is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind. TTG is not just about shelter—it’s about restoring dignity, offering hope, and providing a path forward,” she said.
She also noted that, according to data from the Sarawak Social Welfare Department’s (JKMS) operations on destitute and homeless cases, homelessness in Sarawak increased by 13.68 per cent in 2024 compared to 2023, rising from 117 cases in 2023 to 133 cases in 2024.
A total of 74 operations were conducted throughout 2024, with Sibu recording the highest number of cases at 48, followed by Bintulu with 24 and Kuching with 19. Meanwhile, Mukah, Kapit, and Samarahan divisions recorded zero cases.
“In the 2025 budget speech, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced an allocation of RM1.8 million for the operation of TTGs in Sibu, Kuching, Bintulu, and Miri to strengthen Sarawak’s social support facilities.
“The TTG serves as a temporary stopover for homeless individuals to shower, eat, and sleep at night. During the day, they leave to carry out their daily activities.
“In short, the objectives of establishing TTGs are to provide transit facilities for the homeless, offering free food and a place to sleep at night; to deliver integrated services such as physical health screenings, mental health support, emotional well-being assessments, and substance abuse detection; and to facilitate referrals to relevant agencies,” the minister explained.
Furthermore, Fatimah pointed out that the primary causes of homelessness include poverty, drug abuse, alcoholism, family conflicts, and mental health challenges, noting that mental health issues can lead to behavioral problems that some family members struggle to manage.
“I hope that NGOs can collaborate with us to establish a clear direction in addressing homelessness in Sarawak.
“This aligns with the Sarawak government’s goal for 2030—to achieve the status of a developed and balanced state, where no one is left behind.
“It also reflects the Premier of Sarawak’s vision to ‘develop an inclusive society in Sarawak’.”
Also present at the press conference were KPWK deputy minister Datuk Mohamad Razi Sitam, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, and Kuching Resident Dayang Joanita Azizah Abang Morshidi. — DayakDaily
