SIBU: The state government’s plan to expand the establishment of Community Social Support Centres (CSSC) has finally been realised here, making it the second centre of its kind after Kuching.
Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, said the establishment of the Sibu CSSC symbolises the state government’s commitment in strengthening the social support network through an integrated approach with various agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
“Our desire to establish the CSSC in Sibu has finally become a reality on this historic day. The CSSC must be in the heart of the community so that it is easily accessible and truly a place of support for the local community,” she said at the centre’s launching ceremony here on Friday.
The Dalat assemblywoman said the Sibu CSSC is equipped with facilities such as meeting rooms and activity rooms that can be used by NGOs, community leaders and government agencies to implement various community programmes.
According to her, the uniqueness of the CSSC is not just as a reference centre but also functions as an open and free community space for social, advocacy and welfare activities.
She said that several components have also been established under the Sibu CSSC including a food bank, ‘Safe Place’ and ‘Soup Kitchen’ to help the needy.
“The food bank will function like a mini market that allows underprivileged families to obtain basic necessities, while the ‘Safe Place’ is provided as a temporary shelter for victims of domestic violence before further action is taken,” she explained.
She said that the ministry is currently waiting for NGOs that are willing to operate a ‘Soup Kitchen’ to help the urban poor as the model has been successfully implemented in Kuching.
Fatimah added that the CSSC will also be a follow-up intervention centre for homeless people rescued through the Integrated Operation to Rescue the Poor and Homeless.
“Those rescued will be profiled and given follow-up intervention at the Sibu CSSC. This is the continuity between the Homeless Transit Place (TTG) and the CSSC, what we started in the field will be continued with rehabilitation and monitoring at this centre,” she said.
According to her, current statistics show that Sibu recorded 1,180 cases of drug abuse, 634 cases of property crime, 351 cases of cybercrime, 261 cases of teenage pregnancy and 68 cases of sexual crimes against women and children, which illustrates the urgent need for cooperation between agencies in addressing social issues.
“For the issue of teenage pregnancy, for example, CSSC will be the main platform for advocacy programmes with the Department of Health, Department of Welfare and Department of Education so that teenagers understand the implications of their health and future.
“I hope that CSSC Sibu will not just be a building, but will be truly utilised by the local community as a symbol of the government’s commitment to the well-being of the people, especially vulnerable groups,” Fatimah added.
