KUCHING: A new chapter in Sarawak’s social care initiative began as the Homeless Transit Centre or Tempat Transit Gelandangan (TTG) here officially commenced operations, offering shelter, safety and support services for the homeless community.
The initiative, led by the Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development and operated by Hidayah Centre Foundation, is part of a statewide strategy to address homelessness with dignity and compassion.
Following the earlier success of TTG Sibu, the Kuching centre now stands as a permanent urban facility designed to be easily accessible to the city’s homeless population.
“This TTG provides a secure environment, health screenings, counselling, skills training, job matching, and assistance in securing housing.
“Finally, a very long search for a suitable place to open TTG in Kuching has ended.
“We have found a strategic location and appointed a non-government organisation (NGO) as the anchor to run this TTG for its daily operation,” said Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.
She said this at a media conference after the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signing ceremony for the Kuching Homeless Transit Centre today.
“The centre aims not only to provide temporary relief but to serve as a stepping stone towards independent living.
“Each individual is given a health screening, with referrals to hospitals such as Hospital Sentosa for mental health care when needed,” she said.
Through collaboration with agencies such as the Ministry of Health, The National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), and local councils, the initiative ensures that each case receives tailored interventions, including access to social housing and welfare support.
She also highlighted that the centre is equipped with a digital case management system known as ISIM (Integrated Social Intervention Management), allowing inter-agency coordination for faster and more efficient support.
“With ISIM, everything is there from health backgrounds to ID issues. It’s a seamless system for faster intervention,” she explained.
She also acknowledged the challenges in handling mental health and substance abuse cases, stressing the importance of proper referrals and partnerships with psychiatric institutions.
“Looking ahead, TTG facilities are being planned in other urban centres such as Bintulu and Miri, as Sarawak intensifies efforts to ensure no one is left behind.
“Ultimately, what we want is for them to leave the TTG and live independently with dignity,” she said.
