GEORGE TOWN: Seventeen homeless people were rescued from the streets during an integrated operation in the Komtar area last night.
The operation was led by the state Welfare Department under the Destitute Persons Act 1977.
According to a statement on the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) Facebook page, seven of those rescued would be sent to the Homeless Transit Centre (PTG) while four were found to be suffering from mental illness.
The National Anti-Drugs Agency (Nada) would manage three homeless individuals suffering from Hepatitis C while another three were existing cases with Nada and are still undergoing screening.
Those rescued would be allowed to stay for up to three weeks, or a month (with extension) at the PTG, provided they make an effort to find work.
"After that, they will be asked to leave as they are able to pay their room rental.
"To date, about 100 homeless individuals have been successfully rescued at the PTG before returning to their families and community once they secured jobs," the statement said.
State Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim expressed appreciation to all agencies involved in the rescue mission.
"This mission is part of the Penang government's effort to assist the homeless with regard to their welfare and health while maintaining the image of George Town as a tourist city," she added.
Also present were Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng and MBPP Mayor Datuk A. Rajendran.
Other departments and agencies involved were Nada, the Northeast district police, Immigration Department, National Registration Department, Health Department and Penang Development Corporation.