THE Penang government is contemplating the establishment of a special task force to address the challenges posed by homelessness in the state.
Penang Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim said the proposed task force would collaborate with the state Social Welfare Department and local councils as primary agencies.
“Although the state government has built a transit centre for the homeless, known as the ‘Pusat Transit Gelandangan’ in Jalan C.Y. Choy in George Town, I must admit that the homeless issue in the state is far from over.
“Nevertheless, I believe with the joint efforts of various parties, the Penang government will be able to deal with this matter more effectively.
“Hence, the establishment of this special task force is highly needed,” Lim (PH-Sungai Pinang) told the State Legislative Assembly during her winding-up speech at the State Assembly Building in Light Street today.
Lim added that the Penang government, through the Social Welfare Department and Social Security Organisation (Perkeso), has been working closely to provide suitable employment opportunities for the homeless group.
“We also provide counselling and moral support to empower them to strive for positive life changes.
“After all, we want them to be a productive working force,” she said.
In a related development, Lim announced plans for the construction of new activity centres for older persons (PAWE) in the northeast district soon.
“As of now, we have a total of six PAWE centres in the state that are operational.
“The state government also is committed to working with the Federal Government to empower PAWE centres in Penang.
“It is important to ensure that PAWE centres are more accessible and filled with various impactful programmes, creating a conducive environment for the elderly,” said Lim.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Siew Chia En