In view of the nationwide lockdown starting June 1 until June 14, a temporary centre for drifters around Ipoh was established at the Malaysian Red Crescent Society’s Hall.
According to the Executive Councillor for Women and Family Development, Social Welfare and NGO, Datuk Dr Wan Norashikin Wan Noordin, the centre is able to accommodate up to 40 drifters.
“Its operation will involve 11 agencies, such as the Ipoh City Council (MBI) that performed sanitisation of the hall and the Social Welfare Department (JKM) that’ll be providing food and necessities.
“Others include the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), State Health Department (JKN), Perak Islamic Religious Department (JAIPk) and five NGOs.
“The centre was established to prevent the emergence of cluster(s) among drifters, besides to protect and provide better healthcare for them.
“Most importantly, there’ll be programme segments by the agencies and NGOs to change their way of life in ensuring that they return and give back to society.”
She told reporters after a briefing at the hall earlier today (May 30).
Wan Norashikin added, the Kinta District and Land Office will be coordinating operations of the temporary centre.
“All necessities and level of accommodation will be added accordingly, depending on the latest situation,” she mentioned.
For reference, the first temporary drifters’ centre was established at the Ipoh Badminton Arena during the first-ever Movement Control Order (MCO) back in April 18 last year, which sheltered 87 of them.
Chris Teh
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