Whether in industrialised, emerging, or impoverished nations, homelessness is a persistent problem around the globe. Homelessness is widespread in Southeast Asia for a variety of reasons, with poverty being one of the leading causes.
As such, the issue of homelessness is becoming more noticeable in Malaysia’s main cities, especially Kuala Lumpur. As of 2023, it is estimated that there are 1,500–2,000 homeless people living in KL. These individuals are at the very bottom of the B40 category and lack stable housing.
Aside from job losses and unpredictable economic situations, the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated matters by pushing an increasing number of families to the brink of homelessness. Cities such as Penang and Johor Bahru are also witnessing a rise in homelessness due to the exorbitant cost of housing.
Furthermore, many families are now unable to afford stable homes due to the growing cost of housing, stagnant income, and unemployment. Stalled earnings, growing living expenses, and piling debt combine to form a destructive cycle that may quickly get out of hand and leave people and families vulnerable to homelessness.
In light of this, the growing number of homeless individuals underscores the necessity of cooperative endeavours by all concerned to tackle the problems and obstacles associated with housing security in Malaysia.
In keeping with the government’s goal of building higher-quality residences, People’s Housing Projects (PPR) in the future will be upgraded to a new public housing model – People’s Residency Programmes (PRR), as announced by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
He clarified that before modernising and renaming PPR, the ministry completed a comparative analysis of public housing programmes in other nations. With a focus on affordable housing for the low-income population, PRR seeks to deliver well-integrated, sustainable, and comfortable housing.
As Nga mentioned, the government is conscious of Malaysia’s cities’ growing rate of housing instability. To assist lower-income families in obtaining stable homes, they are dedicated to constructing more affordable housing units and offering rent-to-own programmes.
Nga said the ministry has set aside about RM1 billion this year to construct more reasonably priced dwellings to guarantee that every Malaysian can buy a home.
Yet, non-governmental organisations that address homelessness in Malaysia contend that more urgent fixes are required. While they acknowledge the need for long-term affordable housing plans, they also believe that the government should focus on taking immediate action, such as increasing the number of shelters and providing more support to homeless individuals who are seeking work.
Even while being unemployed is one of the factors that lead to homelessness, the stigma attached to it can make it challenging to secure employment. People who are homeless might feel abandoned by society as a result of their situation, which could discourage them from seeking work in the future.
The government, welfare organisations, non-governmental organisations, and the general public should all share accountability for aiding the homeless.
Encouraging active involvement and input from NGOs with comparatively greater expertise in working with the homeless is imperative. Since every individual has a unique narrative to share, policy formation or aid may be tailored to people who genuinely need it and the support they require.
The government must re-evaluate its existing strategy and provide qualified social workers on the front lines with an adaptable resource basket to allow them to customise solutions for the issues facing the homeless.
In addition, revisions to the laws are needed to tackle this problem. Other strategies include offering a minimum wage, stable employment, and a home protection programme.
In short, action plans are required since, in spite of their growing numbers, this group needs more attention. We can ensure that no child has to experience the horrors of living on the streets by spreading awareness, fighting for affordable housing, and supporting groups that dedicate themselves to helping the homeless.
Datin Seri Professor Dr Suhaiza Hanim Mohamad Zailani is the Director of the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies, Universiti Malaya.
The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the writer’s and do not necessarily represent that of Twentytwo13.
