SIBU: Renovation work to turn the Sri Rejang Resthouse into a Community Social Support Centre (CSSC) will start by the end of this month.
In disclosing this Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) Chairman Clarence Ting said the setting up of this CSSC is timely.
“Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah (Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Well-being Development) came to my office and said they are going to set up a ‘Soup Kitchen’ at the Sri Rejang.
“They are going to do the renovation starting, I think, at the end of this month. So, it shows that our society needs (aid such as) food,” he said.
He said this when officiating the Unity Food Bank organised by National Consumer Action Council (MTPN) at Heng Hua Memorial Park here today (Oct 22).
According to a news report, Fatimah said that Sarawak will set up seven more Community Social Support Centres and the facility in Sibu is expected to be operational by April.
The Dalat assemblywoman said that it will be followed by facilities in Sri Aman, Mukah, Kapit, Bintulu (ready by May 2025), Miri and Lawas.
She said that the Sibu centre is an initiative by the ministry and the Sibu Resident Office.
It will have a soup kitchen, a one-stop integrated social intervention referral services centre, consultation room, youth corner, activity room, common lounge and food bank, among other facilities.
The first centre in Kuching has been in operation since Jan 3.
The centres are intended to be places where the community may address issues such as domestic violence and mental health; receive counselling; and refer cases to the relevant authorities.
