THE homeless, who are saved by the Social Welfare Department and are temporarily placed at the Caring Society Complex hall, have been well taken care of.
They are fed three times a day, given daily necessities to keep themselves clean and are in good health.
The Penang government, with the assistance from non-governmental organisation Buddhist Tzu-Chi Merit Society Malaysia, provided the homeless with a temporary shelter and the daily needs.
Tzu-Chi Penang commisioner Khoo Boo Leong said the society did not just stop at providing the homeless with the daily necessities.
“We go the extra mile by imparting positive values on them. We make sure that they keep themselves clean, shower twice a day, wash their own clothes and have healthy meals.
“We cut their hair and make them feel good about themselves. We also told them that we want them to feel that they belong to this place.
“They became more disciplined and worked with each other. Some chose to sweep the floor, others mop the floor and discard the garbage.
“We also taught them the importance of social distancing to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 illness,” Khoo said.
Khoo said that he was happy to notice the behavorial change in the occupants.
“We can see the younger ones helping the seniors collect their food during meal hours. They are also doing what they can to keep the place clean and tidy,” Khoo said, adding that the society tried to add value to the lives of the occupants while they are there.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who visited the temporary shelter today, said he was happy with the effort taken.
“With the help from Tzu-Chi, we are able to operate a temporary transit home for the homeless here.
“The hall can accommodate up to 66 people. Now, we have 41 occupants.
“I can see that the occupants are very happy and I noticed the change of behavior in them.
“I am also glad that various departments are sending their personnel to ensure that the temporary shelter runs properly and efficiently,” he said after distributing face masks, hand sanitisers and wet tissues to the occupants.
Chow also urged the public to keep up the good work and obey the movement control order (MCO).
“Now that the MCO is extended for another two weeks, I hope everyone will continue to ‘jia yu’ (do your best and don’t give up)!” Chow said.
Also present was state Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Alvie Cheng
Video by Chan Kok Kuan