SIBU: Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the state have been urged to emulate Petronas fuel stations in raising funds for the operations of a temporary transit centre (TTG) for the homeless.
Deputy Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Development, Mohamad Razi Sitam said Petronas Lanang Barat will be the first of 50 Petronas stations state-wide to place a TTG Collection Box at their premises in an effort to raise funds for the TTG.
He said it is the corporate social responsibility of Petronas for the well-being of the homeless at the temporary transit centre.
“TTG in Sibu will be used as a benchmark for the setting up of other TTG. We will build one in Bintulu with the cooperation of Bintulu Development Authority, also Kuching and one in Miri with a corporate company like Shin Yang,” he said at the ‘Project Another Chance for Homeless’ on Saturday (Nov 26).
Mohamad Razi said the setting up of TTGs is one of the efforts of the state government to help homeless individuals.
“We can’t avoid this problem as it is the effect of rapid development. People become homeless not only because they are poor but there are also other factors involved.
“This includes people who have lost their job while some of them have a mental problem, however, TTG is not a permanent home for the homeless individuals but a temporary place for them until they find gainful employment or are back with their families,” he said.
He noted that homeless individuals with mental problems will be referred to the psychiatric unit of the hospital.
Meanwhile Petronas regional sales manager, Abby Sukardy Mohamad said the project not only aims to raise public awareness of the homeless community in Sibu Division but also take the lead and assist TTG to generate income and funds via the TTG Collection Box.
“There are 15 stations in Sibu where TTG Collection Boxes will be placed at the cashier counter for the public to donate funds to TTG.
“We will start to sell TTG handwoven baskets at seven Petronas Stations in Sibu by December, the first being at the Petronas Station Lanang Barat,” he said.
