Enhance efforts in tackling homelessness

KUCHING: The Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development (KPWKM) has been urged to step up efforts in tackling homelessness in the state by providing more counseling services.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that Sarawak was already taking proactive steps to support the homeless population by establishing centres that offer assistance and shelter.

“We are helping those who find themselves wandering the cities by setting up centres where they can receive help. We encourage them not to sleep on the streets; we have places for them to go.

“These people are actually in a dilemma. Sometimes, their children want to help, but they don’t get along, so they run away and wander around,” he said when launching the Kembara KASIH Programme by the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) 2024 and the Mobile One-Stop Social Support Centre (PSSS) at the Kuching Waterfront today.

Abang Johari stressed that psychological counseling was an essential component in addressing the root causes of homelessness.

“There is a psychological aspect to this. Therefore, as the minister in charge, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri need to have a lot of counseling approaches to minimise the number of people who are considered homeless,” he said.

The Premier pointed out that Sarawak was allocating resources for social support in this area to ensure a comprehensive approach to tackling the issue.

Abang Johari expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the ministry in establishing the PSSS as the centre would play a significant role in providing specialised services at various locations, particularly in rural areas, and in helping to improve living conditions across the region.

“These centres offer specialised activities in each area, especially in our villages. With these support centres, they can help upgrade the conditions in the respective areas.

“In this regard, PSSS are very important, and I feel that the Kembara KASIH tour we have embarked on today has created some awareness for us to help our community throughout the country. This is our way of contributing to the community. With the feedback we receive, we can formulate new inclusive policies,” he said.

The Kembara KASIH KPWKM 2024, led by Nancy started on Sunday (Sept 15) and will travel across eight districts, beginning from Kuching.

Various activities will be carried out in Sibu, Kapit, Bintulu, Sibuti, Miri, and Limbang and the programme will conclude in Lawas on September 21 with an estimated total journey distance of 1,456 kilometres.