Khairin-Nisa Ismail (right) together with officers from the Johor Welfare Department speaking to a homeless man at the Larkin Bus Terminal in Johor Baru.
PUBLIC cooperation is essential to achieve the target of “Zero Homelessness” before Visit Johor Year 2026, says state executive councillor Khairin Nisa Ismail.
The women, family and community development committee chairman said while the state had largely managed to relocate homeless individuals to Anjung Singgah, some still loitered in the city centre late at night.
“Our Ops Gelandangan is now conducted once a week. The number of people we find is much lower than when we first launched this programme in July 2022.
“Those without a place to stay are taken to Anjung Singgah, a shelter for the homeless set up by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry.
“However, most of the people we encounter recently do have homes; they just choose to gather, drink and sleep on walkways near Johor Baru City Square and Sungai Segget,” she said.
The operations are conducted in collaboration with Johor Welfare Department and police.
“Those we find are usually given a verbal warning to return home,” said Khairin Nisa.
“Many become parking touts to earn quick cash, which is often spent on cheap alcohol,” she added.
Homeless individuals are placed at Anjung Singgah, as provided for by Destitute Persons Act 1977.
“We assist them in finding jobs so they can become self-reliant.
“Those who are unwilling to work are sent to Desa Bina Diri in Mersing, where they receive motivation and support to reintegrate into society,” Khairin Nisa elaborated.
She announced that the state government was preparing to open its first women’s shelter, expected to be completed by the end of this year.
“Operations will start next year. The shelter will provide a safe space for women seeking protection from domestic violence or going through court proceedings.
“They will also be offered employment opportunities to help them earn an income,” Khairin Nisa said, adding that the length of stay would depend on individual circumstances.
