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Community-based social support centre setup praised

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Divine Will Society Chairman Anthony Bong (left) showing Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah the association’s Health Mobile Clinic. Photo: Ramidi Subari

KUCHING: Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah has commended the Divine Will Society (DWS) for setting up a community-based social support centre in 7th Mile near here.

The Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister said this was an exemplary effort by volunteers from various professional backgrounds, coming together for a common cause.

DWS is a community-focused non-profit organisation that was formally established in 2015, actively involved in rural healthcare and village improvement projects.

Among the services are kidney dialysis centre; temporary shelter for needy families, victims of natural disaster and domestic violence; day-care centre for senior citizen and Alzheimer group; youth development centre and therapeutic garden.

Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah (left) being briefed on the facilities at the Sunshine Wellness Centre at Kota Sentosa by Divine Will Society Chairman Anthony Bong (second right) while Batu Kitang State Assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang (right), Devine Will Society Trustee Datuk Sim Kiang Chiok (second left) and others look on. Photo: Ramidi Subari

“We can see the concept of having various services for the community at one strategic location. The services are based on strategic collaboration with various professionals, including doctors, lawyers and even property developers, among others.

“This is an extraordinary example that can be emulated by other non-governmental organisation because community-based social support is very important.

“In achieving the aspiration of becoming a well-developed state, we cannot forget about social services and social support system which are needed by the society.”

Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah (left) being briefed about the Vishwa Niketanam (Universal Home Bau) by Divine Will Society Chairman Anthony Bong (right) while Datuk Sim Kiang Chiok (second left), Lo Khere Chiang (rear second left) and others look on. Photo: Ramidi Subari

Fatimah said this during a visit to the proposed Sunshine Home Temporary Shelter Project on Tuesday (Sept 14).

The Sunshine Home Temporary Shelter Project is a community project initiated by DWS and supported by Lions Club of Kuching Oriental.

At the same time, she lauded DWS for giving focus on intergenerational interaction as the centre welcomed both senior citizens and youths.

“Intergenerational interaction is crucial as it will allow both different generations to benefit from each other.”

On DWS’ plan to set up a protection shelter for victims of domestic violence, Fatimah said there were requirements that needed to be met.

“One of the requirements is it must be gazetted, which we can assist with. Besides that, there are safety measures that need to be taken into consideration to make sure that it is truly safe from any perpetrator.

“We have the checklists for these matters, so we will assist in ensuring that the registration as well as compliance required are adhered to.”

Also present during the visit were Padawan Municipal Council Chairman Lo Khere Chiang, DWS chairman Anthony Bong, centre donors Datuk Sim Kiang Chiok and Sim Meng Chiok.