THE first batch of homeless people from City Hall (DBKL) transit shelters today left for their new jobs in Perak. 

The 43 people who have found employment through interviews arranged by the government boarded a bus from the city authority’s headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

Federal Territories Minister Annuar Musa was there to send them off.

“This is the first group moving from the transit centre after being interviewed and selected for new jobs,” he said.

“This group today is going to Sitiawan, Perak. Some will work on poultry farms and some in food manufacturing plants.

“Their employers have prepared accommodation for them.”

The workers will each be paid a monthly salary of RM1,400-RM1,600.

Since the movement control order (MCO) was issued, hundreds of homeless people in the capital have been rounded up by the authorities and placed in shelters as a virus containment measure.

Harumi Brands Sdn Bhd and Top Glove are among the companies working with the FT Ministry and the Labour Department on the job placement programme for the homeless.

In some cases, the work is brought to the shelters for the residents to do.

“Some 96 people will work at the Anjung Singgah transit shelter. The company will bring their products to the transit centre to be packed,” Annuar said.

Annuar said 500 people are expected to find jobs through the programme.

He said those who fail to pass the job interviews will be trained for employment at DBKL.

He said assistance was available for all homeless people. 

“There are homeless people who come to KL hoping to get the same assistance. If they come because they don’t have no job, then I will try to help them get one.

“They don’t have to sleep in the streets for that. They just need to approach DBKL and we will try to help. 

“I don’t want to see homeless people in KL. Don’t sleep in the streets… pee here and there. We don’t want KL to be seen this way.”

More than 600 people are living in DBKL’s 10 shelters.

DBKL community development and urban wellbeing director Anwar Mohd Zain said 28 of them have been reunited with their families and nine more sent to the the National Anti-Drug Agency for rehabilitation.

The Immigration Department has custody of 70 homeless foreigners. – May 12, 2020.