KUCHING: A Community Social Support Centre (CSSC) has been unveiled in the city with plans for more elsewhere in the state.
Women, Early Childhood and Community Well-being Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said it would serve as an intervention and social support centre supported by the Ministry along with other facilities for vulnerable communities, at risk and affected by social issues in the city.
Speaking at the Çhinese New Year 2023 Food Aid Programme at the temple premises of Sarawak Thong Sim Siang Tng at Jalan Gold Jade here, she also revealed that the state’s Social Welfare Department had distributed RM247,229,520 to 53,552 recipients last year.
“The CSSC is located at Wisma Ho Ho Lim, Jalan Abell next to RJ Ayam Bakar.
“With the establishment of CSSC Kuching, the positive impact in terms of social inclusiveness and the well being of the vulnerable, risky and affected community that faces social problems will be solved,”she said.
Fatimah added among the service components in CSSC are to showcase assistance and social and welfare services provided by the government; one stop integrated social support and intervention referral services; training centre for women who are stuck with social issues and problems; soup kitchen for the homeless and needy groups; and community food bank for the vulnerable, risky and affected groups in need.
“There is also an activity corner for teenagers and children; social enterprise room and community mental health services.
“Besides Kuching, CSSI Sibu, Bintulu, Miri, Lawas, Mukah, Sri Aman and Kapit will also follow,” she said.
Meanwhile on the food aid programme, Fatimah said she was informed that it has been a tradition of the temple in the past 55 years to carry out charity programmes in conjunction of festive celebrations of CNY, Hari Raya, Gawai, Mooncake Festival, Deepavali and Christmas.
“There are also many NGOs out there that also take advantage of the festive season to share donations and gifts with the indigents through various means and among them is the food aid programme,” she said.
