MIRI: The Miri Temporary Transit Centre (TTG) for the homeless is expected to be operational by July this year.
It is being set up at the former TM Station Angsana Miri premises (Lot 6, Block B MCLD).
Women, Childhood and Community Well-being Development Minister, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, said the project had faced initial challenges, leading to delays but that progress had since been smooth.
“We managed to secure a suitable location with the government’s approval for funding to establish TTG Miri,” she told reporters today ( March 18) after distributing Endowment Fund Sarawak (EFS) forms and Post-Natal Assistance (Bantuan Ibu Bersalin) at Miri Hospital.
Fatimah emphasised the urgent need for the transit centre, stating that the government aim is to control and reduce homelessness in the state.
“At present, the number of homeless individuals in Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, and Miri remains within double digits in each city. “We do not want these figures to rise into the thousands, which is why we are taking action now while the numbers are still manageable,” she said.
The TTG concept, she explained, provides a temporary refuge where the homeless can rest in a safe and clean environment.
“The centre will also offer medical check-ups, proper meals, and, if they wish, skills training to help them generate income,” she added.
Fatimah said the TTG Miri would not be run by her ministry but by a suitable non-governmental organisation (NGO).
“We will advertise the position and interview potential NGOs to assess their understanding of the role and, most importantly, their passion for helping the homeless.
“Homelessness is not an easy issue to grasp. We need an NGO that has compassion and will treat these individuals with dignity. Every homeless person has a unique background and sensitivities, so they must be treated with respect while receiving the necessary assistance,” she stressed.
As for statistics on the homeless in Sarawak, Fatimah said overall the numbers had been declining, though there was a slight increase in 2024.
She also revealed that her ministry had conducted a study to identify key factors contributing to homelessness which pointed to poverty, family issues (particularly affecting senior citizens), mental health conditions, and addiction to alcohol or substances.
Given these challenges, Fatimah reiterated the importance of establishing TTG centres with trained professionals to provide effective support to the homeless.
Also present was Fatimah’s deputy, Datuk Rosey Yunus.
