IPOH: The Perak government plans to set up a transit centre to house homeless folk in the city.
State Women Development, Family and Social Welfare Committee chairman Datuk Dr Wan Norashikin Wan Noordin said talks were currently underway with the relevant agencies to set up a place similar to the Anjung Singgah centres managed by the National Welfare Foundation.
"Those placed at the centre must be able to look for jobs.
"It is meant for those who suddenly lost their jobs or couldn't find work, as well as those with family issues," she told reporters after closing the temporary homeless centre at the Badminton Arena here on Friday (June 5).
"We will also provide help to teach them discipline and skills, to find their talents and job-match them," she said.
"Senior citizens, the disabled and those with drug issues will be sent to the relevant agencies," she added.
Wan Norashikin said a similar centre would also be set up in Kamunting.
"The state government has approved RM230,000 to renovate two government servant quarters. It should be ready in about a month.
"It can accommodate 20 people. We will place 10 homeless people there when it is ready," she said, adding that the centre would be managed by a non-governmental organisation.
"We've already planned some activities for them, including agriculture works," she added.
On the closure of the temporary homeless centre here, Wan Norashikin said all 89 people who stayed there since April 18 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and movement control order, have been moved out accordingly.
She said 15 people have been reunited with their respective families, four were sent to Hospital Ulu Kinta for treatment, while 10 were matched with jobs.
"We've also sent three to another transit centre in Kamunting on Thursday evening, 22 referred to the National Anti-Drugs Agency and others to welfare homes," she said.
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