KUCHING: The Sarawak Homeless Management Committee (JPGS) has rescued a total of 107 homeless people in 57 integrated operations across Sarawak this year.
Women, Childhood, and Community Well-being Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said this figure, recorded as of October, highlights Kuching as the area with the highest prevalence, with 14 homeless people rescued.
She added that Sibu had the most significant number with 43, followed by Miri (15) and Bintulu (14).
“We began focusing on homelessness in 2016, following growing concerns over the issue. In 2016, we identified 43 homeless individuals, with the number rising to 84 in 2017 before decreasing to 34 in 2018
“By 2022, the number of homeless people rescued had risen to 89, and in 2023, that number increased further to 93.
“The homeless situation was somewhat controlled between 2019 and the end of 2021, primarily due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” she said at the Kuching Integrated Homeless Rescue Operation briefing on Monday night (Nov 11).
Among the factors contributing to homelessness include family problems; mental health issues; addiction to alcohol or drugs; and unemployment.
To address these challenges, her ministry has established temporary transit centres (TTGs) to provide accommodation, food, and essential services.
Fatimah added that these centres also offer support services like health screenings, guidance, training, and referrals to help individuals overcome their social issues.
“The Sarawak government has committed to further strengthening the operation of TTGs across the state. In the State Budget 2025, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced that RM1.8 million will be allocated for the operations of TTGs in Sibu, Kuching, Miri, and Bintulu,” she said.
The first TTG, which opened in Sibu on Dec 6, 2021, was supported by the Shan Xin Charity Organisation as the anchor non-governmental organisation.
Since its opening, 184 people —140 men and 44 women —have been rescued, with 20 individuals currently residing at the Sibu TTG.
“TTG Bintulu is still under construction, with 73.25 per cent of the work completed, and is expected to be fully operational by April 2025. TTG Miri is 32 per cent completed and is expected to be finished by March 2025.
“As for the TTG Kuching, it is scheduled to be operational by the end of December and I hope that such facility will contribute significantly to resolving the homelessness issue in this district,” she said.
On the same night, Fatimah led the Kuching Homeless Rescue Operation, involving 12 agencies and 79 personnel, which resulted in the rescue of seven homeless individuals around the Kuching Waterfront, Jalan Padungan, and Tabuan and Satok areas.
The rescued individuals will undergo health checks at treatment centres and, if needed, proceed to the Sarawak National Registration Department or Sarawak Immigration Department for documentation purposes.
