FT minister: Job placement programmes for KL's homeless

Federal Territories Minister Annuar Musa said that more than 750 homeless people have been taken in by shelters since March 24, soon after the start of the movement control order.

He added that the problem in Kuala Lumpur is more substantial than what was initially thought and the government is instituting work training programmes in order to ensure that the homeless do not return to their previous conditions once the MCO is lifted.

"My initial intention was to protect the homeless from the dangers of the Covid-19 outbreak and prevent them from wandering and spreading the outbreak," said Annuar in a statement today.

He said the Kuala Lumpur State Security Working Committee which he chairs was originally informed the number of homeless people was only about 300.

However, after opening up homeless shelters which were housing 250 people on March 24, he finds that as of May 7 there are now 908 people, including 71 foreigners.

"I had directed that all homeless people be stationed at the Homeless Transit Centre in Jalan Pahang which can accommodate up to 150 people and the one at Anjung Singgah which can house 70 homeless people.

"I have also ordered that both centres undergo repairs and requested the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council (Maiwp) to buy 100 new mattresses and pillows to replace those which have been damaged and lost.

"The homeless at the centre are also fed at least three times a day."

Due to the immense demand, the number of homeless centres which stood at two has now increased to 12 including 10 temporary shelters, he said.

He added that the EPF, DBKL and the Kuala Lumpur Labour Department are implementing the career preparation programmes and job interview skills training as an attempt to change the lives of the homeless in the Federal Territory.

"Today the management of the homeless is not just intended to limit their
movements throughout the MCO period, but also includes individual psychology assessments, fostering a change of attitude and providing work opportunities to keep them from falling back."

In addition to job opportunities, the programme also provides skills training opportunities for homeless people through The Giat Mara Centre and the Kuala Lumpur Industrial Training Institute.

The implementation of this programme was also assisted by the Welfare Department, Socso, the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry and other government agencies and NGOs.

He said that on May 5 the Kuala Lumpur Labour Department had given career opportunity briefings to three temporary homeless centres at Desa Tasik, Ampang Hilir and Sentul Perdana.

More career briefing sessions and interviews will also be held in the next six days, he added.

Annuar also said that three companies namely Adabi Consumer Industries Sdn Bhd, Hartalega NGC Sdn Bhd and Harumi Brands Sdn Bhd have held interviews for 72 homeless people and that a total of 21 homeless people were offered jobs and will start working on May 13.

"The remaining 51 people will be interviewed by other employers soon," he added.

He also said that other companies involved included Top Glove Sdn Bhd, Tesco Malaysia and Trendcell Sdn Bhd.

All of these companies would also provide access to accommodation and comply with the Minimum Wages Order 2020 under the 1955 Employment Act, he added.

"They will also have annual leave, sick leave, paid leave, overtime, Socso protection and EPF contributions as well," said Annuar.

He said it is expected that this job placement program will provide employment opportunities to over 300 homeless people in its first phase.

"My desire is to make sure that these homeless people have a better life and never return to their old situation after this, he said. - Mkini