High time for OSCC keep up with the times, enhance services, says chairwoman

KUCHING (July 7): Delegates from Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri attended a One-Stop Crisis Centre (OSCC) conference on Saturday to deliberate on how to better reach out to victims during this post-pandemic era.

The conference was chaired by OSCC chairwoman Datuk Lily Yong, who in her address said it was high time for OSCC to enhance its services to complement the efforts of non-governmental organisations and hospitals in the face of various crises and challenges.

“Based on reports we have received, the situation is going from bad to worse and we shall take on challenges immediately,” she said.

Yong said the conference provided an avenue for delegates from various divisions to express their views and suggestions.

She added since its inauguration in 1996, the OSCC has provided various services to people in need.

“Following the times, we need to come up with changes to meet current needs. Many people, particularly those from rural and remote areas, are not aware of the services offered by OSCC. Given this, we need to be there for them.”

Yong observed that coming up with pamphlets to promote OSCC services would no longer be sufficient to heighten public awareness and the OSCC would need to opt for social media platforms in order to reach out to more people.

She said the centre has also decided to engage with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) to provide training for counsellors and volunteers.

On drug abuse, Yong said some quarters had said this problem was rampant in Kuching and Sibu but opined that Miri could have recorded the most number of drug abuse cases.

“Whatever it is, we need a more comprehensive solution to address drug abuse,” she said.

Meanwhile, she said the number of domestic violence cases has been on the rise even though reporters received by OSCC were not too accurate.

However, she said the centre must take this matter seriously to keep domestic violence at bay and stressed the importance of working closely with NGOs, the police, charitable and legal bodies as well as hospitals to better assist victims and individuals facing diffuclties.

She also mentioned job scams as another aspect the OSCC look into so no job-seeking individuals would fall prey to it.

“This is why those looking for a job must be reminded to be vigilant when they are told of high-paying job opportunities overseas,” she said.