SIBU: The Malaysian Government Services Welfare and Sports Council (Maksak) in Jalan Sanyan here will be used as the first ‘Sibu Transit For Homeless’ (TTUG) in Sarawak.
Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said the state government had agreed to allocate RM546,000 to renovate the premises.
“TTUG Sibu will be able to accommodate 40 homeless people at a time. The capacity is based on the average number of 30 homeless people identified in Sibu for the past three years.
“The concept of TTUG Sibu is a temporary stopover for homeless people to clean themselves, eat and sleep at night,” she said at a press conference at the Sibu Division Resident’s Office on Tuesday (Sept 1).
Fatimah hoped that renovation work would be done as soon as possible.
Earlier, she visited the Maksak House and met with three homeless persons who received haircuts and donations from the Sibu Social Welfare Department.
In addition, TTUG would also provide physical, mental health screening services, and substance abuse testing and provide referral assistance to relevant agencies.
TTUG Sibu would be managed by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) appointed by the ministry and the Sibu Divisional Social Monitoring Coordination Committee (JPPSB).
Fatimah said the Shan Xin Charity Association of Malaysia, Sibu Branch had been identified by JPPSB Sibu to manage operations.
“The state government has also agreed to allocate a grant of RM244,800 annually to the Shan Xin Charity Association of Malaysia, Sibu Branch to cover operating costs at TTUG Sibu.”
Other NGOs that will also provide the necessary services and contributions are the Sibu Division United Chinese Association, Red Crescent Society Sibu Branch, Sibu Lions Club, Junior Chamber International Malaysia Sibu, KRT Brooke Drive and Empawah, Chinese Annual Conference, Methodist Church Sibu, and several other NGOs and individuals.
Meanwhile, Fatimah revealed that her ministry was also planning to set up TTUG in Kuching, Miri and Bintulu.
“For Kuching and Miri, we are currently in the process of finding a strategic area to establish this TTUG.”
