SIBU: As the first temporary transit centre (TTG) for homeless persons in Sarawak, the success of its operation and management should be seen as a role model to other new TTGs in the state.
Minister for Women, Early Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said having TTG Kuching’s first Advisory Board meeting in TTG Sibu, is necessary in order to give a better picture of how the TTG’s operation is being conducted.
“We will use the experience here for the setting up of TTG Kuching. Whichever useful thing (in TTG Sibu), we will incorporate them for TTG Kuching,” she said.
The Dalat assemblywoman said this when met by reporters after her working visits to TTG Sibu here yesterday.
Fatimah added that since TTG Sibu’s operation began in December 2021, it has received 74 homeless individuals who were rescued from the streets.
Of the number, 63 have moved out voluntarily or can live independently as they get a job while only 11 are still with the centre.
“The success of Sibu TTG was also due to the strong support from the community, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the corporate sector who contributed financial aid and services to them,” she said.
She noted that the Kuching TTG building will be renovated by Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) and it is expected to be completed by November this year, whereas the Miri TTG will be done by Miri City Council (MCC) in April this year.
As for Bintulu TTG, she said it will take a longer time as its building needs to be constructed by Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) in April this year.
“We hope the community and NGOs in Kuching, Miri, and Bintulu will also later contribute aid or services to the TTG there,” she stressed.
Also present were Deputy Minister of Women, Early Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development Mohammad Razi Sitam, Tupong assemblyman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, Sibu Resident Wong Hee Sieng and others.
