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Malay Mail
12-07-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
‘Trust is the first phase': Man living on streets for 30 years among 17 helped in Kuching night raid to tackle hidden homelessness
KUCHING, July 12 — An integrated night operation involving 12 agencies led to the identification of 17 homeless individuals around Kuching early this morning, as part of efforts to provide immediate aid and safe shelter under the state's social welfare initiatives. The outreach, coordinated by the Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK), was announced by its Minister, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, during a press conference held shortly after the operation concluded. 'As of 2am, we identified 14 men, two women, and one underage girl living without shelter,' she told reporters after the operation. She added that the operation was aimed at encouraging the homeless to receive support services through the Community Social Support Centre and the Temporary Transit Centre (TTG) Kuching. Fatimah stressed that TTG is not a detention centre, but a dignified, voluntary safe space. 'They are free to come and go, the aim is to offer them a place to sleep safely, bathe, eat, and slowly regain confidence in support systems. 'During the day, they can work; at night, they return to sleep,' she explained. She cited the case of 'Pak Mos,' a man who had lived on the streets for over 30 years and had finally agreed to receive assistance. 'At first, he refused, but tonight, he followed us to the Community Social Support Centre and will be placed at TTG. 'This is a huge step because trust is the first phase,' she said. Fatimah said individuals will undergo health screenings at the Community Social Support Centre before being placed at TTG. Conditions such as high blood pressure, leg cramps, or other underlying health issues will be identified and referred for appropriate action. She also noted the importance of identifying peer influencers within the homeless community. 'We found someone who can act as a leader. If we help him, he can help us reach others. 'His influence led several of his friends to agree to engage with us,' she said. The operation also highlighted the fluidity of homelessness data in Kuching. Fatimah said some individuals may return to their hometowns temporarily, while others end up on the streets due to job loss or inability to pay rent. 'One person voluntarily went to Hidayah Centre after losing their home due to rent issues. 'This shows homelessness isn't always long-term; it can happen suddenly and to anyone,' she explained. According to Fatimah, 134 personnel were involved, each playing a key role such as verifying identification documents, referring health issues, or addressing substance abuse concerns. Four teams were deployed to high-risk zones: Group 1 covered the Waterfront, India Street, and Electra House; Group 2 covered Satok, Wisma Satok, and Matang; Group 3 in Padungan, Padang Ragbi, and Tabuan Melayu; while Group 4 focused on King Centre, Batu 3, and MJC areas. The 12 participating agencies included the Social Development Council (MPS), Kuching Resident and District Office, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Social Welfare Department (JKM/PKMB Kuching), Immigration Department (JIM), Kuching Divisional Health Office, National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), Kuching North City Hall (DBKU), Civil Defence Force (JPAM), National Registration Department (JPN), Kuching South City Council (MBKS), and Hidayah Centre Foundation. — The Borneo Post
Borneo Post
11-07-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Sarawak sees 13.86 pct rise in homelessness in 2024, says Fatimah
(From left) Nur Alina, Dayang Joanita, Riziandy, Tan, Fatimah, Mohd Ali, Joanes Lukas, Hilmy, and Noli Husainin a group photo after the MoA signing between the ministry and HFC. KUCHING (July 11): Sarawak recorded a 13.86 per cent increase in homelessness in 2024 compared to the previous year, said State Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah. Speaking during the launch of the Kuching Temporary Transit Centre (TTG) today, Fatimah said she was informed during the Social Development Council meeting yesterday (July 10) that the number of homeless individuals in the state rose from 117 cases in 2023 to 133 this year. 'Mukah, Kapit, and Samarahan recorded zero cases, which is good news, while Sibu recorded the highest number with 48 cases, followed by Kuching with 19,' she said. On the newly launched TTG Kuching, Fatimah said it is the second such facility in the state, following the success of TTG Sibu. The centre provides temporary shelter while offering integrated services including health screening, counselling, and job-matching support. 'This is not to promote homelessness, but to give them a dignified life and a second chance,' Fatimah stressed. She also thanked Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg for approving RM1.8 million to support the operations of TTG centres in Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, and Miri. Meanwhile, the ministry's permanent secretary Felicia Tan highlighted the collaborative effort behind the establishment of TTG Kuching. 'We acknowledge that addressing homelessness is not easy. It requires perseverance, empathy, and deep understanding. 'However, I am confident that with coordinated action and strong support from all levels of society, we can offer new hope to those in need,' she said. To further strengthen these efforts, the ministry signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Hidayah Centre Foundation (HCF) during the event. Under the agreement, HCF will manage TTG Kuching's day-to-day operations. The MoA marks the start of formal collaboration between the two parties to support the rehabilitation and reintegration of the homeless through outreach and advocacy programmes. HCF, a non-profit organisation known for its work in community engagement, education, and humanitarian aid, will lead support services, public awareness efforts, and volunteer mobilisation at the centre. Also present at the event were of State Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Deputy permanent secretary Nur Alina Abdullah @ Colliner Gohe; Kuching Division Resident Dayang Joanita Azizah Abang Morshidi; Social Development Council Executive Secretary Riziandy Nawawi; Hidayah Centre Foundation Board of Trustees Chairman Prof Dato' Mohd Ali Hassan; HCF Chief Executive Officer Joanes Lukas; Kuching North Datuk Bandar, Dato Hilmy Othman; and HCF Head of Operations Noli Husain. fatimah abdullah homeless TTG Kuching
