The transit centre in George Town, Penang may provide the homeless community with warm meals and a place to stay until they are able to get back on their feet. Khairul Taib, 39, mentioned that he decided to register and stay at the centre on Jalan CY Choy as he has been facing difficulties lately. He lost his job as a security guard in April and has been searching for work ever since. Accommodation is his main concern when it comes to finding a job due to high rental costs. His previous employer had offered hostel accommodation. Khairul, who used to work in the oil and gas sector, has his family in Kuala Lumpur.
He expressed his appreciation for having a place like the transit centre where he can stay temporarily while focusing on finding work again.
The transit centre has 88 beds that are sectioned into male and female dorms.
Khairul is one of the first 14 individuals who registered to stay at the centre for a period of 14 days. Lee Chong Kim, 70, who resides in Queen Street, visits the centre for meals whenever he can. Currently unemployed, Lee mentioned that he does not engage in much activity due to his advancing age. He relies on welfare money, which is insufficient as he has to pay RM200 in rent. The remaining money is reserved for essential expenses. Lee appreciated the free meals provided at the transit centre as they ensure he gets a proper and nutritious meal. He used to go to a nearby temple for food but now enjoys eating with others at the centre, which helps him avoid feeling lonely.
The ground floor offers male and female dorms for the disabled.
Lee, who was previously employed in a factory in Singapore, expressed the difficulties he has faced and his search for work. He has received offers for security guard positions; however, he feels he is too old to work shifts. He is willing to undertake tasks for additional income but cannot engage in strenuous work.
The RM4.4 million homeless transit centre, which is fully funded by the state government and built by Penang Island City Council, opened on September 1. Located near Komtar vicinity along Magazine Road, the centre serves as a designated distribution and intervention centre to provide training and equip the homeless with skills that will enable them to sustain themselves. The aim of the transit centre is to get homeless individuals off the streets and empower them to secure employment and rent their own homes in government public housing projects. The centre is equipped with 88 beds, segregated into male and female dorms, featuring private lockers and cubicle bathrooms. The ground floor encompasses dining facilities and dormitories for disabled individuals.
Meals are usually provided by NGOs and corporate sponsors.
Currently, the centre has a total of 47 registered individuals who receive daily meals, including those who live nearby and members of the homeless community. Lim Siew Khim, the chairman of the social development, welfare, and non-Islamic religious affairs committee, highlighted the importance of preventive measures in aiding the homeless. Providing free food helps individuals at risk maintain their health and energy levels, thereby reducing the chances of them becoming homeless. NGOs and corporate sponsors typically provide the meals, and the committee has established a backup plan for days when sponsorship is not available. Lim Siew Khim stated that the centre is currently working on collaborating with the state Health Department and additional NGOs to offer regular health screenings for the homeless. Private sector organizations and NGOs are encouraged to offer their support, as their contributions can lead to significant change. It is crucial to note that directly providing food to homeless individuals on the street exacerbates the issue and results in food waste. Donations to the transit centre are welcome as they can be effectively managed.
Credit: The Star : Metro Feed
