Johor government is working on addressing the issue of homelessness in Johor Baru, says an exco member.
State women, family and community development committee chairman Khairin Nisa Ismail said a special operation was carried out on Oct 15 to identify and assist individuals experiencing homelessness in the city centre.
“The taskforce involved personnel and officers from the police, National Welfare Foundation (YKN) and Johor Welfare Department.
“Among the locations covered were Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Jalan Meldrum, Jalan Station, Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Trus and Jalan Tun Sri Lanang,” she told StarMetro.
Khairin Nisa, who is also Serom assemblyman, said three male individuals were identified and offered assistance during the operation.
“One individual was given a warning and sent home, while two others were referred to Anjung Singgah.
“Anjung Singgah is a social intervention centre that provides the homeless with shelter and facilitates independent living.
“It also provides support services to help individuals transition back into society,” she said, adding that more operations are expected to be conducted from time to time.
On an unrelated matter, Khairin Nisa expressed her dissatisfaction over delays in the building of a women’s shelter.
Rumah Pesona Johor under Yayasan Pembangunan Keluarga Darul Ta’zim should have been completed by Sept 2, she said, but the contractor failed to meet the deadline.
“The contractor was granted an extension until Oct 15 but has yet to finish the job.
“I am very disappointed with the progress,” she said, adding that the contractor has been given until Dec 1 to complete the project.
Khairin Nisa said Rumah Pesona Johor was the state government’s initiative to provide a shelter and support system for women who are survivors of domestic violence.
