KUCHING: The Sarawak Government has approved an allocation amounting to RM1.3 million to strengthen the operations of four Homeless Transit Centres (TTG) across the state as a continuous measure to address homelessness issues more holistically.

Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah stated that the allocation involves the operations of the TTGs in Kuching and Sibu, which are currently operational, as well as two new centres in Bintulu and Miri expected to begin full operations this year.

According to her, the establishment of these four transit centres was based on observations and field operations that identified the distribution and number of homeless individuals in Sarawak's major divisions.

“The allocation request we submitted is for all four TTGs because they will all be operational. Distribution is made according to the needs of a particular area and the number of homeless people identified,” she said.

She spoke to the media after presenting contributions at the Kuching Division Sejambak Kasih Aidilfitri Ceremony here on Friday.

She explained that the allocation is used to provide basic necessities to residents, including sleeping facilities, the provision of at least one meal per day, and the payment of allowances for supervisors and staff managing the transit centre operations.

“We want to ensure that this homeless group no longer sleeps on five-foot ways. Through the TTG, they are provided with a safe transit point to rest, eat, and receive appropriate support,” she explained.

Dato Sri Fatimah informed that the implementation of the TTG has shown a positive impact, as the number of homeless people in enforcement operation hotspots is now found to be decreasing.

At the same time, she stressed that handling the homeless population requires a professional approach and trained staff, particularly when involving individuals with mental health issues.

“Some among them have mental health issues and can become aggressive. That is why these operations must be managed by trained personnel to ensure the safety of all parties,” she added.

For the Kuching TTG, the centre has a capacity of up to 100 residents and is currently operating in rented shop lot premises due to constraints in finding a more suitable location, with accommodation facilities separated for men and women to guarantee the comfort and safety of the residents. — UKASnews

Prepqred by: Ezzah Syafiqah
Photo: George
Translator: Ryan Lim