SIBU: Efforts are underway to help homeless people find their feet again with the temporary transit centre (TTG) getting them to already come out with their own products.
Among the products so far are various sizes of baskets made from PVC packaging strips and uniquely designed cloth bags.
Minister for Women, Early Childhood, and Community Well-being Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said two homeless individuals who produced the products, have been subsequently appointed to teach the others.
“We have appointed one of them, Ani Mail, who is adept at weaving baskets as a teacher for the other homeless individuals.
“The other one who is new here, will be teaching the others to sew clothes,” she said when met by reporters after her visit to the TTG here Tuesday (Feb 21).
Fatimah said such appointments aimed to ultimately help homeless people be independent and integrate into mainstream society.
“We also conducted a job matching programme so that the homeless can work to support themselves. Leisure activities and ‘gotong royong’ were also conducted during the weekend and public holidays,” she said.
Fatimah said the centre often receives visits from universities, schools, NGOs, corporate bodies, and public agencies for volunteering activities and programmes.
“Through TTG, the ministry will continue to focus on the homeless issue as our commitment is towards an inclusive and sustainable well-being for the homeless.
“Establishing this TTG also aims to address homeless persons’ impact on public health, public safety, urban cleanliness, and tourism in Sarawak,” she said.
Those interested in the TTG products can contact Winnie at 016-5777938 for further inquiries.
