Kuala Lumpur’s Homelessness Crisis Escalates As 400 Individuals Detected In One Operation
Kuala Lumpur’s Homelessness Crisis Escalates As 400 Individuals Detected In One Operation
Kuala Lumpur’s homelessness issue is growing more urgent, with DBKL and federal agencies reporting a staggering 400 individuals identified in a single coordinated sweep. The figure highlights a structural social problem that continues to resurface despite ongoing rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
A Complex Social Landscape With Multiple Root Causes
According to Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, those identified come from diverse backgrounds including registered refugees, individuals battling drug dependence, people with mental health disorders, and short term visitors who end up stranded in the city.
This diversity means no single policy can solve the problem sustainably.
Multi Agency Operations Aim For More Comprehensive Interventions
DBKL now works closely with the Social Welfare Department, AADK, MKN, KDN and PDRM to ensure that operations go beyond relocation.
There are currently three transit centres in KL, including Taman Tunku, providing temporary shelter and meals.
NGOs Advised To Send Food To Transit Centres Instead Of Streets
Distributing food along the streets often results in waste and hygiene issues when the homeless discard items they do not want. Authorities encourage NGOs to channel all aid through transit centres to maintain cleaner public spaces.
Rehabilitation Works For Some, Yet The Cycle Continues
Several individuals who were sent to the Gemenceh rehabilitation centre successfully completed training and secured jobs.
However, new faces continue to emerge while others relapse into homelessness, indicating that economic challenges and mental health pressures remain persistent factors.
Government Reviewing Legislative Framework For Homelessness Response
The Social Welfare Department and the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development are reviewing existing legislation to determine which agency should take primary responsibility and what long term intervention model would be most effective.
Homeless Hotspots Expanding Across KL
Key hotspots include the Bangkok Bank area, Jalan Pudu and newly emerging zones influenced by infrastructure growth.
To discourage encampments, DBKL has also introduced anti homeless architectural designs, sparking debates about ethics versus urban management.
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