20/02/2025

THURSDAY | FEB 20, 2025

FOLLOW

ON INSTAGRAM

4

Malaysian Paper

@thesundaily @t

Providing safe space for homeless to seek refuge

Red building repair works yet to be approved

MALACCA: The Malacca government has yet to receive approval from the National Heritage Department to proceed with repair works on one of the historic red buildings along Jalan Laksamana in Banda Hilir, which was damaged earlier this year. Senior state executive councillor for Housing, Local Government, Climate Change, Drainage, and Disaster Management Datuk Rais Yasin said the Malacca Historic City Council had submitted an application to restore the heritage building, located in a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation heritage site. However, the approval process may take time as it involves multiple procedures. “We are awaiting approval from the National Heritage Department to ensure that the repair work complies with the necessary guidelines, and does not compromise the building’s structural integrity. “Restoring the building is crucial in preserving a national heritage asset, which is hundreds of years old, ensuring its legacy for future generations,” he said after officiating at the National Heritage Conference 2025 dinner on Tuesday. The event, organised by the Malaysian Institute of Planners , was also attended by its president Datin Noraida Saludin. Rais stressed the urgency of repairing the damaged section of the building to prevent further deterioration, which could affect other units in the row of historic premises. Previously, the media reported that the wooden beams of the Street Kitchen premises collapsed on Jan 1. No injuries were reported among the tourists passing through the area at the time. The incident is believed to have been caused by tremors from the heavy volume of vehicles travelling along the road, particularly on weekends and long holidays. The vibrations have likely impacted the structural integrity of the aged buildings, many of which were constructed without modern reinforcement standards. – Bernama Zakat fitrah in Pahang remains at RM7 PEKAN: The zakat fitrah (personal tithe) rate in Pahang for this year remains at RM7 per person, said Pahang Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council CEO Datuk Ahmad Hairi Hussain. He said the Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has consented to the rate, establishing it as the minimum amount. “The minimum amount to be paid by those obligated to pay zakat fitrah is RM7 for individuals who consume local white rice. “The rate for those consuming glutinous rice and similar types is RM14, while for those consuming basmati rice or its equivalent, the rate is RM21,” he said when announcing the Pahang zakat fitrah rate for this year. He added that zakat fitrah could also be paid online via Ezakat.Muip.Gov.My, as well as through a Bank Muamalat QR code provided. Meanwhile, Ahmad Hairi said the council would distribute over RM21.6 million in aid to 35,400 recipients throughout Ramadan this year. The amount includes RM5.6 million in aid for the needy, as well as RM4.2 million for the “Ihya Ramadan” contribution to 689 mosques and surau . – Bernama

o Lecturer sets up shelter to ensure such individuals get consistent care and second chance to reintegrate into society

Ű BY DEEPALAKSHMI MANICKAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: As a city dweller, Dr Noralina Omar felt sad each time she noticed the homeless begging for spare change or foraging for food. But unlike many who remain passive bystanders, she felt a deep desire to help them pick up the pieces and start life afresh. The Universiti Malaya Social Administration and Justice Department senior lecturer decided to do something for the homeless community, and in January last year, she started Singgah Teduh Nur Qaseh to provide temporary shelter and a second chance to those who have been abandoned by society. Located in the Chow Kit area, her initiative provides temporary accommodation for up to three months, free meals, hygiene facilities and support services such as spiritual programmes for Muslim residents, psychosocial assistance and social integration programmes. “Since 2019, I have been involved in social work, which is about ensuring the well-being of individuals, families and communities. While I educate my students, I also believe in using my knowledge and skills to make a tangible impact in society,” said the 51-year-old. During the six years of her community work, Noralina said she and her team realised the pressing need for a safe space where the homeless could receive consistent care and guidance, which was what led to the establishment of Singgah Teduh . “We have experienced many success stories, including homeless individuals reconnecting with their families, securing jobs or obtaining social aid. But we continue to have challenges too, such as the consistent need to secure funding for our work. “While the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council provides partial financial support for rent and food, we need additional funds for medical treatment, legal assistance and transport to government agencies as our volunteers often accompany residents to hospitals, the National Registration Department and court proceedings, as many lack the understanding to navigate such systems.”

Noralina at a station during one of the food distribution drives. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

changes to overcome the issue, including strengthening monitoring as well as taking action against those who violate the law,” he said after presenting Agrobank’s 2025 school money assistance and the release of Tilapia Aquaculture Aspire fry at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Jalan Kebun on Tuesday. Last Thursday in Parliament, Mohamad said the government has agreed to amend Act 522, which is still loose in terms of enforcement on manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers, in an effort to curb the conversion of local rice into imported rice. According to the minister, Act 522 does not list the offence of mixing local rice with Noralina added that another major challenge is changing the mindset of the homeless, as helping them is not just about providing shelter because they also struggle with deep-seated trauma, addiction or family rejection and find it difficult to reintegrate into society. She stressed that homelessness is usually caused by a combination of personal struggles, unemployment, societal discrimination and in some cases, substance addiction. Without proper intervention, they will remain trapped in a cycle of despair, which propagates common stereotypes about them. “The homeless are not criminals. While the public may view them as dangerous or dirty, they are just people who have fallen through the cracks and lost their way due to circumstances beyond their control.” Noralina said while the government has initiatives such as transit centres for the homeless, its efforts fall short of addressing long-term rehabilitation. She said many government-run shelters are impressive but lack structured programmes

that help people transition out of homelessness. Strict entry requirements also exclude many of them from receiving assistance. Nonetheless, she remains hopeful that policy changes, such as the review of the Destitute Persons Act 1977 (revised 2006), would lead to better support systems. “I was consulted when the Act was revised, and I hope the pending review and amendments would provide a more holistic approach to addressing homelessness,” she said. Noralina called on Malaysians to help uplift the homeless. Beyond monetary donations, treating them with dignity and offering jobs will go a long way in reducing their numbers, as some of them struggle to open a bank account due to past financial issues. However, despite the challenges, she is committed to expanding her work. “ Singgah Teduh is more than a shelter. It’s a place for second chances, and with persistence, community support and compassion, we can change their lives for the better, one day at a time.”

Padi Act amendment to be completed this year: Minister SHAH ALAM: The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry will ensure that amendments Control of Padi and Rice Act (Act 522) are completed and enforced this year. imported rice, but only stipulates seven types of offences, including hoarding rice with the aim of creating a supply shortage.

On the release of tilapia fry, Mohamad said the Aquaculture Aspire Programme organised by Agrobank targets the involvement of 20 selected schools for the implementation of aquaculture education based on biofloc technology. Mohamad said the selected schools will be provided with an 18sq ft pond along with 1,500 tilapia fry. The project has the potential to become an entrepreneurial initiative that generates income for the school. – Bernama

Its minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the amendment to increase enforcement to curb the conversion of local rice into imported rice also took into account research conducted by the Malaysian Competition Commission (MyCC). “We will amend this Act by taking recommendations by MyCC involved in conducting investigations on the issue of padi and rice. “From there, we will make the necessary