KOTA KINABALU: Stateless children will soon undergo training on basic living skills at a temporary shelter.
Assistant Minister to Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Abidin Madingkir said the temporary shelter was located in the capital city.
"It is done. It is already confirmed by the Public Works Department which built (renovated) the shelter. We are now in the midst of buying furniture for the shelter," he told reporters after the launch of the World School Milk Day programme.
He was representing Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and delivering Hajiji's speech at the event.
Once the shelter is completed, Abidin said the street children would be sent there for up to three months.
"They will undergo a special programme on basic living skills including on self-care, community living, and spiritual learning.
"After three months, they will leave the shelter and we hope they can lead a normal life without having to beg on the streets," he said.
Abidin said the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) and local authorities would work with other relevant agencies, including the police and the National Security Council to address the stateless children issues, especially those who were seen begging along the roads and near traffic lights around here.
"DBKK has done a lot to stop these street kids, including arresting and issuing warnings to them.
"They are released (later) as these children are not criminals. They need guidance," he added.
On Nov 28 last year, it was announced that the Sabah government would set up a temporary shelter for stateless children.
A fund of RM250,000 has also been allocated to renovate a government house, which is no longer being used, to be turned into a temporary shelter.
The people's volunteer corps (Rela) personnel will be in charge of security around the clock while the Health Ministry will look at the health aspects of the children.
If the pilot project in the capital city succeeds, it will be adopted in other districts such as Tawau, Sandakan, and Lahad Datu.
Earlier in the speech, Hajiji said Sabah government gave priority to the education aspect in producing more competitive, skilled and high-quality human capital in the country.
"This is in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Directional Development Plan.
"The government will continue to support all the efforts of the Education Ministry and the Sabah Education Department in improving educational excellence as well as programmes related to human capital development in the state."