(Miri, 18th) Miri Temporary Transit Centre (TTG) for the homeless is expected to officially operate in July this year, with its location confirmed at the former TM Station Angsana Miri (Lot 6, Block B MCLD).
Sarawak Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah confirmed today that the project had earlier faced challenges causing delays, but progress is now smooth.
“We have successfully found a suitable location and obtained government approval for funding to establish the Miri Temporary Transit Centre.”
She revealed to the media after distributing Sarawak Newborn Endowment Fund (EFS) and Post-Natal Assistance (BIB) forms at Miri Hospital’s Block B this morning.
Fatimah emphasized that the main purpose of setting up the Temporary Transit Centre is to control and reduce the homelessness problem in Sarawak.
Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah signing the visitor’s book during the handover of the Sarawak Newborn Endowment Fund and Post-Natal Assistance application forms at the new building of Miri Hospital.“Currently, the number of homeless individuals in Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, and Miri remains within double digits. We do not want this figure to surge into the thousands, so the government must take early action to solve it while the issue is still controllable.”
She stated that the concept of the Temporary Transit Centre (TTG) is to provide temporary shelter for the homeless, allowing them to rest in a safe and clean environment while receiving necessary assistance.
“The centre will offer health check-ups, nutritious meals, and provide them with skills training opportunities to help them become self-sufficient and generate income.”
Fatimah noted that the Miri Temporary Transit Centre will not be managed directly by the government but outsourced to a suitable non-governmental organisation (NGO).
“We will openly recruit and interview NGOs interested in managing the Temporary Transit Centre to assess their understanding of the project. Most importantly, they must have a passion for helping the homeless.”
She stressed that the issue of homelessness is not simple, as each person has different backgrounds and sensitivities, and the management team must provide assistance in a respectful and dignified manner.
Regarding the homelessness situation in Sarawak, Fatimah stated that the overall number is on a decline, but there was a slight increase in 2024.
She revealed that the Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development has conducted research to analyze the main factors leading to homelessness, including poverty issues, family issues (especially the elderly), mental health conditions, and addiction to alcohol or drugs. Considering these complex factors, TTG must have professionally trained personnel to provide more effective assistance.
The event was also attended by Deputy Minister Dato Rosey Yunus, Permanent Secretary Datu Felicia Tan Ya Hua, and Sarawak Social Welfare Department Director Haji Semawi.