KUCHING: The newly completed Homeless Transit Centre (Tempat Transit Gelandangan or TTG) in Kuching, located along Jalan P. Ramlee, has officially begun operations, marking another significant step by the Sarawak Government to address homelessness in a systematic and inclusive manner.

According to Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK), Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, the establishment of the TTG is a meaningful achievement following sustained efforts to identify a location that is both suitable and accessible for the homeless community.

“We wanted this centre to be in a strategic location—not too far from public areas or too hidden, which could make it difficult for the homeless to access the facilities provided.

“That’s why the process took time. We needed it to be within the city and close to the community,” she said when speaking to the media after the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the operation of TTG Kuching on Friday.

She added that the TTG is not merely a temporary shelter but also offers a wide range of support services designed to aid in the recovery and empowerment of homeless individuals.

Services at the centre include regular health check-ups, counselling and emotional support sessions, skills training based on each person’s potential and interests, job placement referrals, and assistance with welfare support and room rental for eligible individuals.

“Our goal is that by the time they leave TTG, they can regain their independence and go on to lead lives of dignity.

“This centre is not just a shelter—it is a beacon of hope where individuals are welcomed and supported in rebuilding their lives,” she said.

Earlier in her speech, Dato Sri Fatimah revealed that, according to data from the Sarawak Social Welfare Department, homelessness cases increased by 13.68 percent—from 117 cases in 2023 to 133 cases in 2024.

She noted that Sibu Division recorded the highest number of cases at 48, followed by Kuching with 19.

Among those present at the ceremony were KPWK Permanent Secretary, Datu Felicia Tan Ya Hua, Kuching Division Resident, Dayang Joanita Azizah Abang Morshidi, Social Development Council (MPS) Executive Secretary, Riziandy Nawawi, Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) Mayor Dato Hilmy Othman, Hidayah Centre Foundation Board Chairman, Prof. Dato’ Mohd Ali Hassan, Hidayah Centre Foundation CEO, Joanes Lukas, KPWK Deputy Permanent Secretary, Nur Alina Abdullah @ Colliner Gohe and Hidayah Centre Foundation Head of Operations, Noli Husain. -UKASnews