Findings of review of Destitute Persons Act expected in September

 

Nancy Shukri presenting gifts to residents of Desa Bina Diri in Kuching today. (Bernama pic)

KUCHING: A review to improve the Destitute Persons Act 1977 to deal with the issue of beggars is expected to be completed this September.

Women, family and community development minister Nancy Shukri said she would announce the findings.

“Now, it is still at the study stage. We are also improving the Act in relation to senior citizens.

“It is necessary to look at all the acts that we want to amend in a comprehensive way,” she told reporters when met after the Rahmah Ramadan programme with the residents of Desa Bina Diri (DBD) here today.

The DBD is a special home for beggars and the destitute where they can get care, protection and rehabilitation.

Last year, it was reported that the study, which began in July 2022, would set the direction on how to handle beggars and the homeless.

Meanwhile, Nancy said her ministry may collaborate closely with the health ministry to handle residents at the home who are categorised as mentally ill.

About 63.1% (24) of the residents at the Kuching DBD are mental patients. They receive follow-up treatment at Sentosa Hospital.

Apart from Kuching, there are four other institutions that house the destitute, including beggars. These are the Mersing DBD, Jerantut DBD, Kota Kinabalu DBD and Pusat Sehenti Bina Diri Sungai Buloh in Selangor. - FMT