JULY 4 — Referring to the problem of homeless people and beggars are still continuing in the capital Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory Ministry (KWP) was very serious about this and would like to clarify a few things, namely:

The homeless have contributed to the lack of hygiene in Kuala Lumpur in particular locations focus of visitors/tourists. They sleep in places that do not fit in the city of Kuala Lumpur in an unclean environment and exposure to infectious diseases.

While most of the beggars are begging in front of a business complex, streets and so on. Both of these factors not only contribute to the problem of hygiene, but also contribute a variety of other social problems; security; the image of Kuala Lumpur with a view inappropriate if seen by tourists. According to the investigation by the authorities, there was a syndicate that operates to bring these people to beg in the city, especially in the area of focus of the public. Begging also seems to have made a career as a revenue spinner. In fact, there are between beggars who had been detained by the authorities to stay in hotels near their begging;

For the year 2013, a joint operation carried out by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has transported a total of 965 homeless and found 125 of them are illegal immigrants. In 2014 (until May) total 117 homeless people have been successfully transported through integrated operations conducted and found 21 of them are illegal immigrants.

Homeless problem becomes more complicated when they have their groups that dominate a particular area. The problem arises when they fight and the fight broke out between them;

Among the factors contributing to the homeless problem is unemployment, poverty, mental illness/depression/neglect, foreigners are out of work, inability to manage themselves, abandoned the family and drug addiction/alcoholism/ex-convicts and the elderly.

The “Hot Spot” homeless problem in the City of Kuala Lumpur is Mydin; National Mosque; Central Market; Menara Maybank; Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Masjid India, Jalan Tiong Nam (Chow Kit), Cross Street, Masjid Jamek, Central Bank, Sultan Mohamad circle and the square.

Among the strategic approach that will be implemented to address the problem of homeless Homelessness Implementation of Zero Zone 2.0 km radius starting from Simpang Empat Lot 10. Selection is based on the aspect of tourist attractions, business district, and is located in the center of Kuala Lumpur.

Enforcement action will be undertaken in this area by imposing fines and pay immediately (for those who provide food and donations) and implement the “collection” of homeless people and beggars who are in the area.

City Hall will also be rolling out Under Local Law where drafting by-laws will be implemented to give effect to the City Hall to transport the homeless and beggars in 2.0 km radius and submit to the authorities for further action like the Police, Immigration; Department of Social Welfare; Agency and other parties concerned.

In addition, the Federal Territories Ministry will work closely with other Government agencies and NGOs that are associated together in order to create a standard operating procedure (SOP) to ensure that these problems can be addressed effectively.

So far, City Hall has identified 12 NGOs active in providing food to the homeless is by day and time as well as popular locations such as Central Market food distribution; Fort Plain City; Klang Bus Station, Masjid India; National Mosque; Bangkok Bank, Jalan Tun HS Lee; Fort Wayne; Pudu Sentral; and Swiss Garden Hotel, Jalan Pudu.

Ministry of Federal Territories (KWP) with Kuala Lumpur City Hall will identify appropriate food distribution center that NGOs are able to continue volunteering and donating food to these people. This will also help reduce the problem of impurities that will arise as a result of dumping by those concerned. Site selection will also take into account the terms of outreach to the homeless this easy.

KWP with DBKL will identify suitable locations for the placement of this group to provide a building such as the concept of “Porch Stop” which will provide a number of facilities for the homeless such as:

Providing nutritious food for free and the NGOs are also welcome to contribute to the accumulation of food in the centre;

Provide a place of rest and sleep to provide comfort and safety for this group; provide medical treatment centre to ensure that no problems will spread infectious diseases by these groups;

To provide an integrated registry will record the description of this group with the help of the Department of Social Welfare includes personal details, next of kin and so on;

Providing leisure facilities, launder clothes, etc. for health and personal grooming; and

Provide counselling and help obtaining suitable employment.

Therefore, I would vehemently denied that the government was unjust and inhuman act, but the action is to help the homeless and beggars with a better life and perfect through services provided in ‘Porch Stop’.

Efforts were also undertaken to ensure the comfort and well-being of the citizens are protected and begging syndicate activities can be eradicated.

I appreciate all the good work done by the NGOs involved and the Chief Setiausaha Federal Territories Ministry will hold discussions with NGOs on Tuesday (July 8, 2014) to determine the appropriate location so that the distribution of food and other assistance to performed better.

So, thank you.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malay Mail Online.