A TOTAL of 17 homeless individuals were rescued in a special joint operation last night in the Komtar vicinity.
The operation, code-named ‘Ops Bersepadu Gelandangan,’ was spearheaded by the office of the State Social Development, Welfare, and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs.
The operation involved 87 personnel from various agencies, including the police, Social Welfare Department (JKM), Penang Island City Council (MBPP), state Health Department, Immigration Department, National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) Penang, and the National Registration Department (JPN).
Lim Siew Khim, Penang’s Social Development, Welfare, and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman, led the operation with a focus on helping and saving the homeless.
“During the operation, we concentrated on areas around Komtar, such as the bus station, Komtar Walk, sidewalks of Prangin Mall, First Avenue Mall, and the octopus pedestrian bridge,” Lim said.
She emphasised the importance of the initiative due to the increasing reports of vagrants in the area causing disturbances, particularly at night.
“Some of the individuals rescued will be sent to the transit centre or better known as ‘Pusat Transit Gelandangan,’ located on Jalan C.Y. Choy.
“From there, we will work to reunite them with their families. For those facing family disputes, we can assist them in finding employment, provided they are willing to make lifestyle changes,” she told Buletin Mutiara during a press conference yesterday (Oct 24).
Joining Lim in the operation were Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Penang JKM director Zakaria Taib, and MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran.
Zakaria provided a breakdown of the operation, stating that of the 17 vagrants rescued, seven would be transferred to the transit centre.
“Four individuals, suspected of suffering from mental illness, would be sent to the hospital for mental health assessments. The remaining three, who were found to have infectious diseases, would also be hospitalised for further treatment.
“This joint operation aims to not only address homelessness but also provide medical care and rehabilitation to those in need, ensuring their reintegration into society where possible,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Some of the photos during the joint operation last night:
