The Hidden Realities of The Homeless.

By Caleb — December 11, 2024 @ 12.00 pm

Being a college student from a different state who now lives in Petaling Jaya, I commute on foot a lot to get around. Thus, I'm sure like most college students and working adults who walk a lot, sometimes I find myself walking in strange and unfamiliar places. Although there are plenty of Petaling Jaya alleyways that are quaint or vibrant with graffiti, there are some that scream “The Walking Dead” too. Fortunately, I see this as an advantage as it forces me to truly immerse myself in the city.

You see the truth is – even if no one else would admit it – I was always afraid of homeless people, but I'm not talking about the kind-eyed, messy-haired homeless lady you’d bump into on a commercial street, looking for someone to buy her her next meal; I'm talking about the strange men piled together, all sleeping in a makeshift tent or hunched over by the walkway, scowling at passersby. I always saw them as a threat despite feeling empathy for their difficult situations – I always felt like any one of us could end up in their spot; any one of us could run into trouble, make a bad move or run out of chances. I think my perspective is also influenced by the common portrayal of the homeless in the media, as mean and bitter individuals. I never liked homeless people, but how could I, I never got to know them. 

According to the Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development, there are an estimated 1500 to 2000 homeless individuals in Kuala Lumpur as of 2023. In this year alone, the ministry claimed to have taken in 1256 destitute individuals up to June 2024. This figure is just a fraction of the total number of homeless individuals in Malaysia, still living on the street, getting by without much assistance from local patriots.

Malaysia, still living on the street, getting by without much assistance from local patriots. 

In my interviews with a few homeless men in Pasar Seni, I found that they were more than willing to have a chat with a stranger. These men are, through it all, kind people, and spending just a bit of my time with them seemed to light up their faces. I couldn't help but be overwhelmed with sympathy for these friendly strangers, as it seemed to me like they just needed a friend to talk to. I learned that some were kicked out of their families due to personal issues, some chose to stay outdoors due to its low-cost nature and low personal income status, while some chose to stay outdoors due to its free and easy lifestyle. Despite one enthusiastic individual being excited about receiving government assistance and housing relief, I quickly gathered that this was no one’s first choice of living situation. As one individual regrettably expressed the faults that led to his current condition, another, gave me the impression of a seasoned veteran, as he was more accepting of his circumstances, explaining to me how he sells tissue for a couple of cents to make his daily wage. This kind of scarce lifestyle is what most homeless individuals have to get accustomed to resulting in a lack of food and basic necessities. 

Despite living already unfortunate lives, I found that these patriots of our country were still upstanding citizens. One considered it their responsibility to protect the people of Malaysia in his immediate vicinity stating, “you know there's a lot of tourists here and people walking by, if anything happens or they run into trouble, we’re here to help them. We see that as our duty also la.” Another claimed to have caught ia band of thieves red-handed at the local train station when they attempted to steal his belongings. Despite having his concerns about the safety of living outdoors with evident dangers of crime and thievery, Mr Jagak was still empathetic to the situation of others. “You’d think, why these people already so misfortunate will still get robbed or other misfortune brought to them? Its because you never know what people are going through. You’re living a troubled life, but they also might be in trouble.” added Mr Jagak.

From my few encounters with the homeless in Petaling Jaya, I am always hit with the reality of my privilege, which I often overlook. Despite living on a student budget, I understood that I had the means to help someone in need, whether it was bread from a convenience store, a meal from the local mixed rice shop or just a cold drink at a mamak, I always obliged with a soft smile and a gentle nod to indicate agreement. Honestly, I couldn't deny them as they reminded me too much of my grandparents, I think it was something in their eyes. Kindness is usually reciprocated in the form of a sincere blessing from these individuals, wishing the best on your journey and all the fortune in the world. I can't help but take their blessings to heart and consider the favour returned as I understand what it is like to have nothing to give back. And as I walk away from these encounters, stealing one last glance at these sweet old strangers, I always remind myself that I should give more than I take.

I think, as Malaysians, we do not give enough attention to the homeless. They dissolve into the backdrop of our busy lives, becoming part of the aesthetic of this bustling city. Yet, we must remind ourselves of the men and women who live on the street corners near our offices or apartment buildings, surviving solely on their wits and the grace of a few kind Malaysian citizens. These neighbours in need of ours are the true hustlers of Kuala Lumpur.

I think we must all see homelessness for what it truly is: a Malaysian problem, before we can start taking the necessary steps towards helping these struggling Malaysians. Kita Jaga Kita means we take care of our own; if one of us is in trouble, we all are. Even if there is just one homeless and troubled individual still living on the street, our job as citizens of Malaysia is incomplete!