30 homeless people treated to Raya gathering
MIRI: Thirty homeless people who are temporarily sheltered at Miri District Red Crescent hall were treated to a Hari Raya gathering by the Welfare Department on Sunday.
Assistant welfare officer, Lau Ngee Wei, and colleagues as well as staff of Surah Café which sponsored the food were also present.
“The gathering was primarily meant to share the joy of the celebration with the homeless, with signature dishes like nasi minyak, ketupat/kelupis/lemang, daging masak hitam, and chicken rendang being served.
“They were also entertained to karaoke and games like treasure hunt looking for ‘duit raya’ among the children,” said Lau when contacted yesterday.
He added the homeless people, rounded up as early as April 14, would be sent to their respective homes or villages at the end of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) on June 9.
“About 80 per cent of those interviewed wanted to be sent back to their respective families in Bintulu and Sibu while the rest are from Miri Division.
“Others who are on drugs will too have to go home while waiting for a court ruling on their fate,” Lau said, adding that for those without any identification card, the Welfare Department would work closely with the National Registration Department to resolve the matter.
Lau said they had been directed by their headquarters in Putrajaya to temporarily stop operation against homeless people here until the CMCO is over.
However, the public can still channel information on any homeless people to the department here at 085-419073 (during office hours).
They can also pass their information to the Resident’s Office at 085-427254 during office hours during the CMCO.