KUCHING: The Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Ministry has carried out 113 integrated operations to rescue homeless people since last year until February this year.
Its Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said a total of 301 homeless people have been rescued thus far.
“In 2020, a total of 237 homeless people in 11 divisions have been rescued — 90 in Kuching, Bintulu (43), Sibu (41), Miri (21), Sri Aman (18), Sarikei (nine), Limbang (seven), and two each in Kapit, Serian, Betong and Mukah.
“As for January and February this year, a total of 64 people in eight divisions have been rescued — 26 in Miri, Kuching (19), Sibu (seven), Samarahan (four), three each in Sarikei and Limbang and one each in Sri Aman and Bintulu,” she said during her visit to Desa Bina Diri (DBD) Kuching today (Mar 23).
Commenting further on the number of residents in DBD Kuching, Fatimah said a total of 26 people consisting of 15 men and 11 women are currently at the facility.
“Nineteen of them suffer from mental problems such as schizophrenia, depression, dementia, mental retardation and psychosis.
“Therefore, the Social Development Council (MPS) and DBD need to work closely to make it easier for us to help those who are categorised as destitutes.
“This is a matter under the MPS and it is also one of their focuses,” she said.
