KUCHING: Temporary Transit Centres (TTGs) in Sarawak have successfully reduced homelessness and empowered vulnerable groups, paving the way for a brighter future, according to Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.
Highlighting the impact of the first TTG in Sibu, Fatimah emphasised the significant decrease in the number of homeless individuals in the area.
“In addition to providing shelter, food, and clothing, we offer counselling services and training programmes to help them generate income.
“Among the courses conducted there is weaving where Ani Mail is now appointed as a weaving instructor to her fellow residents and the handicrafts are being marketed at Petronas fuel stations in Sibu.
“Based on our records, I can confidently say that it has been successful because our initiatives has taken us another step forward. Apart from providing them a safe place to stay, we also provide training to empower them and some homeless individuals have successfully found employment through our job matching efforts,” she said.
Fatimah said this during a press conference after officiating the Qurban meat distribution ceremony at the Community Social Support Centre (CSSC) here today (June 29).
In addition to income-generating skills classes, literacy and numeracy training are also provided to the homeless.
“It is a crucial requirement in our job matching efforts. When they (homeless) attend job interviews, some may face challenges if they cannot read.
“Therefore, we collaborate with the State Library where the trainers will work with the homeless individuals to provide them with basic literacy and numeracy skills, enabling them to read and count. That is our modus operandi,” she added.
Regarding the TTG in Kuching, Fatimah announced that its construction is expected to be completed within four months. The facility will accommodate 40 homeless individuals and will follow the successful model implemented in Sibu’s TTG.
During the programme, Fatimah distributed Qurban meat to representatives from Pusat Jagaan Nur Murni, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Laman Kasih, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Baiturrahmah, and Sarawak Orphans Welfare Association (PERYATIM).
