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Garbage disposal in Pulau Bidong still poses a problem, as do
rodents. Efforts to solve both problems have so far not been successful. Rats are also still a very major problem in Pulau Tengah. The Health Ministry is helping to control the situation.
Social Care
At present the social care department comprises 6 social workers, one coordinator and a League adviser.
All camps excluding the transit centres were supplied by UNICEF with sewing machines and material. Sewing classes have already begun in Pulau Tengah and will soon be introduced in other camps.
The social workers are distributing toys and clothing as well as friendship boxes and school chests containing milk, educational and play material, all donated by participating Societies. They also supervise the schools and assist MRCS medical personnel supervise the clinics run by Viet- namese doctors. Sanitation and general cleanliness of the camps are also the concern of the social workers.
Kindergartens have been started in Cherating and Kota Bahru. In Pulau Tengah, the social workers, together with the German doctors, plan to start first-aid classes. The social workers are working in close cooperation with the TMS and UNHCR on the problems of split families in the camps. They have also introduced various recreational activities, language courses, etc.
In the small camps of Sabah and Sarawak most of the social care functions are performed by MRCS personnel.
Tracing and Mailing
a) Tracing
Number of cases from 1st October to 1st November 1979:
Cases closed
New enquiries:
from ICRC/CTA
- from camps
Cases still open
270
257
350
2,500
b) Mailing
The sheer volume of the mail has caused a heavy work load for the Task Force.
VBP letters to third countries
Letters from third countries to camps
Aerograms distributed
5,120
31,550
39,000
Clearance of parcels through customs has been greatly facilitated by eliminating "red tape", thereby allowing amoother distribution.
A new service has been introduced concerning money transfers. It has been divided into two sections: firstly, money transfers from overseas relatives of VBP, and secondly VBP who wish to send money to their separated family members in other local camps.
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