KUCHING: The Welfare Department has been urged to do something about the vagrancy situation in the city.
Several business owners spoke to New Sarawak Tribune on condition of anonymity, expressing their annoyance at the vagrants running around “scaring away” customers.
They, according to the complainants, are not only unsightly but a danger to themselves as well.
A complainant claimed that an elderly vagrant had made the Main Bazaar as his place of haunt, much to the displeasure of the business proprietors there.
The vagrant would arrive very early, reeking of alcohol. With a bottle of clear liquid in hand, he would lie at the entrance to one of the shops – and a clinic as well.
Another shop owner said she pitied the elderly man, claiming that she heard he had a son or daughter but they did not want him to stay with them.
“These people (vagrants) need to be taken care of by the Welfare Department. It’s bad (for the city) as this year is Visit Sarawak campaign.”
Main Bazaar houses mostly souvenir shops, and as such, one shop owner said this would have a bad effect on tourism, adding that besides the elderly chap, there were many others.
“They mostly move around the Main Bazaar and Electra House (mall). I have personally seen tourists walking on the road just to avoid him.”
Meanwhile, Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii said he had contacted the Welfare Department and he hoped that response would be quick as it concerned the public.
“The person (vagrant) will also need to be given a psychological examination by the hospital to determine the state of his mind, and if needed, be given proper treatment and care.
“We have seen a few cases such as these where the department does act but due to the lack of facilities, they are later released back to the streets,” said Dr Yii.
“I understand the limitations faced but it is also important to have a long-term solution to address this problem, including the setting-up of a shelter home or half-way house for such cases.”
