KUCHING, July 12 -- An integrated night operation involving 12 agencies led to the identification of 17 homeless individuals around Kuching early this morning, as part of efforts to provide immediate aid and safe shelter under the state's social welfare initiatives.

The outreach, coordinated by the Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK), was announced by its Minister, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, during a press conference held shortly after the operation concluded.

"As of 2am, we identified 14 men, two women, and one underage girl living without shelter," she told reporters after the operation.

She added that the operation was aimed at encouraging the homeless to receive support services through the Commu...