Siew Khim (right) with Tan (second right, wearing green) recycling unwanted cardboard boxes at the transit centre for the homeless on Jalan CY Choy in George Town, Penang. With them is Alan (left). — KT GOH/The Star
IN A remarkable turnaround, 84 individuals who once sought refuge at the Penang Transit Centre for the Homeless have successfully secured employment.
Aged between 30 and 55, they are now working as security guards or cleaners at Penang Island City Council (MBPP) facilities, said Penang welfare committee chairman Lim Siew Khim.
She said the success rate was a pat on the back for the centre that doubled up as a shelter and a place offering a lifeline to the homeless.
The centre, she said, had been instrumental in giving homeless folk an opportunity for a fresh start through job placements.
“Now that they have jobs, many can afford to rent a place to stay.
“Besides security guards and cleaners, some are working in factories too,” she said.
Siew Khim said the centre was more than just a temporary shelter for the homeless.
“It provides support to those who are eager to work.
“If one lacks financial means and is unable to secure employment, they can stay here while we help them to get a job.
“It is not an easy journey. No one will be here if they had a home and income,” she said.
The transit centre is a place for homeless folk to get a place to stay and have meals while learning to build their self-esteem.
Hope for the homeless
The RM4.4mil transit centre for the homeless, fully funded by the state government and built by MBPP, opened its doors on Sept 1 last year.
Located on Jalan CY Choy, the centre is a designated distribution and intervention centre to retrain and equip the homeless with skills to lead a new life.
The idea for a transit centre was mooted by Penang government to get homeless people off the streets.
The state envisioned that this move would help empower them to land jobs and rent a flat at government public housing projects.
The centre has two premises – a two-storey heritage building and a three-storey facility.
There are 88 beds divided into male and female dormitories which come equipped with private lockers and bathrooms.
A dining area as well as male and female dormitories for people with disabilities are on the ground floor.
The rooms designed dormitory-style can accommodate 88 people.
Rebuild and reintegrate
Since its opening, the centre has welcomed 334 homeless folk.
There are now 44 of them taking refuge at the shelter.
Besides helping the homeless, the centre also provides meals to those living nearby.
The centre, which is supervised and managed by Penang Welfare Department, has programmes to keep the homeless busy, according to Siew Khim.
Among the programmes are motorcycle cleaning, sorting of clothes, outdoor programmes, and motivational sessions.
It was earlier reported that the department had seven workers on duty daily.
Siew Khim said the centre provided the homeless with skills training to build their confidence so they could return to the workforce.
“The positive impact for the homeless is evident, judging from the number of those who have successfully transitioned to holding jobs and living independently.
“They can be on their own,” she added.
Promoting green habits
A recycling station has been set up to encourage the 3R (recycle, reuse and reduce) practice.
Initiated by Penang Green Council (PGC) and Penang Island City councillors Benji Ang and Alan Lim, the effort is supported by Riiicycle Tech Sdn Bhd and Technom Metal Sdn Bhd.
Riiicycle Tech Sdn Bhd founder Chew Chin Huat said the centre was categorised under the Green Building Index (GBI) hence the need for a recycling station.
“Having a dedicated recycling station will not only enhance our environmental responsibility, but also educate people on sustainable practices,” he said at a press conference after the launch of the recycling station.
Chew said the homeless could recycle items such as lunch boxes, plastic bottles, aluminium cans and papers.
“Once they get used to the recycling habit, they can practise it elsewhere too.
“The plan is to make this particular recycling station accessible to the public in future.
“The goal is to promote green habits among the homeless and contribute to the overall reduction of waste in Penang,” said Chew.
Ang described the station as a proactive step towards increasing the recycling rate in Penang.
“What makes it even more special is that this station is located in a transit centre for the homeless.
“It will not only serve as a collection and processing centre for recyclable materials, but also as a support hub for the homeless community.
“The recycling station can provide job opportunities and training for the homeless by helping them become self- reliant and helping them build a better life.
“It will serve as an educational and awareness centre for the community on the importance of recycling practices,” he said.
Ang said statistics showed that Penang generated about 1,800 tonnes of solid waste every day and concerted effort from all parties was needed to solve the growing waste problem.
Penang’s recycling rate last year was about 45%, he said.
Despite the impressive accomplishment, he said there was still potential to achieve higher targets.
“I hope the recycling station effort will get more people to recycle,” he said.
Siew Khim, who launched the recycling station, said the facility was important to encourage the homeless to develop a sense of environmental stewardship while also learning about recycling practices.
Also present at the launch were PGC general manager Josephine Tan and the transit centre manager Nazatulwanis Mohd Khorish.
“At the transit home, the homeless can learn basic principles of waste separation, segregation at source while environmental sustainability are taught,” said Siew Khim.
“We need them to understand why this is important for the environment.
“Our goal is to equip them with knowledge and habits that they can continue applying in their lives upon leaving the centre,” she highlighted.
She said there were plans for the centre to be open to the public on designated days for weekly collection of waste.
Siew Khim said the centre would also offer a reward system to incentivise people.
“This initiative aligns perfectly with the recently enhanced separation-at-source policy in Penang which is aimed at promoting recycling, building a circular economy and for environmental protection through education instead of punitive measures,” she said.
She added that it would be a win-win situation for the centre and the homeless community.
