A homeless rescue operation involving a collaborative effort between the Social Welfare Department, National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), Malaysian Volunteer Department and Ipoh City Council (MBI) was carried out at a total of 14 focus areas around the city.
Executive Councillor for Women and Family Development, Social Welfare and NGO, Datuk Dr Wan Norashikin Wan Noordin said that through the operation, a total of 84 drifters were rescued and placed at the drifters’ placement centre (PPG).
According to her, 44 people out of the total tested positive in drug tests conducted by AADK while 16 people remain in the PPG.
“Of the total, 14 residents were vaccinated at the centre by the Kinta District Health Office (PKD).
“During this period of protection, the PPG residents were given regular health check-ups by medical officers from the Kinta PKD,” she said at the State Legislative Assembly sitting today (August 30).
She mentioned that there are also residents who have started working again after being stranded in Ipoh and losing their source of income due to the movement control order.
The state government took note of the health and welfare of the homeless in the state, especially in the Kinta district when creating a temporary PPG at the Malaysian Red Crescent Society Hall at Jalan Kompleks Sukan, Ipoh.
The temporary PPG started operating in June this year with the objective to help change the attitude of drifters and convince them to return to the community besides improving their personal hygiene.
Rosli Mansor
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