SIBU: Twenty-five homeless individuals were rescued in an integrated operation conducted in the town area here last night (Sept 21).
Sibu Resident representative Awang Mohammed Nizam Awang Ali Bohan said the operation was led by the Department of Social Welfare under the administration of the Sibu Resident’s Office.
“All the homeless individuals will be screened for mental health issues.
“If they are found to be normal (not mentally ill), they will be sent to the Sibu temporary transit centre (TTG), and if they have mental health problems, they will be referred to the Ministry of Health,” he said when met by reporters.
Awang said the operation is an annual programme and is held twice a year.
“The purpose of this programme is to identify and assist the homeless population in Sibu, update our database, and place them at the TTG,” he added.
A total of 15 agencies were involved in the integrated operation, including the National Anti-Drug Agency, National Registration Department, Royal Malaysia Police, and the Malaysian Civil Defence, as well as Sibu Hospital’s Social Medical Work Unit and Psychiatric Unit.
Also involved were the Sibu Rural District Council, Sarawak Islamic Religious Department, Sibu Municipal Council, Sibu District Office, Sarawak Public Communication Unit and Sibu Division Health Office.
The operation, which started at 8.30 pm, was divided into two groups.
The first group conducted operations at Khoo Peng Loong Street, Pasar Sentral area, Mission Street, Tan Sri Street, Maju Street, Esplanade, Pulau Street, Bank Street, Temple Street, Chew Geok Lin Street, Night Market, Channel Street, Chambers Street, Bengkel Street, and Market Street.
The second group operated at Kampung Nyabor Street, Morshidi Sidek Street, Ramin Street, Lintang Street, Sentral Street, Wong Nai Siong Street, Sanyan Street, Phase 1 and 2 Square, Kampung Datu Street, and Tunku Osman Street.
