GEORGE TOWN – In a bid to woo electoral support, Penang MCA has planned initiatives aimed at helping the homeless, senior citizens and those having a hard time buying their first homes.
Its social movement bureau head Cheah Chin Woon said one of the initiatives will assist in placing the homeless and senior citizens in selected old folks’ homes as a temporary measure to get them off the streets.
He added that the party will help source homes for first-time buyers who are in the lower-income groups to ensure ageing parents can stay with them, or the alternative would be for the seniors to lease affordable homes near their children.
Penang MCA and the Lions Club of Tg Putri were distributing food yesterday to the homeless – many who are seniors – at the Octopus overhead footbridge here.
Cheah took a swipe at the DAP-led state government, saying it has ignored such groups, perhaps because their votes do not matter much.
Although he admitted that homelessness in Penang is not a growing problem, he felt that the state’s approach to the issue is problematic.
“There is only a makeshift halfway home in George Town. It is unwelcoming to the homeless, so they decide to continue roaming the streets. Some are elderly who have homes but due to loneliness they decided to wander around.”
“Some of the homeless you may encounter here also look neglected.
“The important aspect is the state must provide ample attention to seniors who are homeless as they make up the majority. We cannot discard them in one place and expect them to be quiet.”
Aside from a better quality of life, Cheah said MCA is looking to provide healthcare services and a social platform for the homeless. – The Vibes, May 21, 2022
