Roughing Out Homeless, Homelessness in Malaysia

ROUGHING OUT HOMELESS?

Despicable situations that are FORCED upon the homeless

PUTRAJAYA: The Ministry of Tourism made a shocking announcement today regarding the alarming rising numbers of homeless people in major cities across Malaysia. The department has formed elite squads assigned to capture the homeless people from Malaysian streets.

     The most crucial question is, where would they be placed? At hospitals? At mental asylums? Will the worst case scenario be imprisonment for the homeless people?

     In the ministry’s defense, it is claimed that the homeless people create a nasty image affecting the country especially in the line of tourism.

     “We want to find ways that will increase the flow of tourists into Malaysia. This is our job. There are times when we need to take drastic measures,” said Mr. Teh, spokesperson in behalf of the ministry.

     “We have to do something about this situation, someone has to,” he said as the rise in numbers of the homeless may potentially cause harm in the future, and it will generate panic among the public.

     In contrast, a group of activists advocated for the homeless outside the Ministry of Tourism headquarters here in Putrajaya. Protests demonstrate a strong aversion towards the plans of the ministry. They believe that, arresting the homeless will not solve any issues concerning them, and certainly will not boost Malaysian tourism.     

     “The homeless are apart of the human race too, simply arresting them without valid reasons seem ridiculous, they have feelings too”, said Tina Teoh the head of the activists.

     It is crystal clear that the ministry does not have any concrete strategies in reducing the numbers of homeless people on the streets. Capturing the homeless is pointless since they are not criminals, despite being out cased by societies. Homelessness is not a crime.

Where to find hope in the midst of homelessness?

     However, advocating for the homeless is not without effort. This problem cannot be solved overnight. This is evident especially when the true statistics of the homeless in Malaysia is not released publically. No doubt, it will still be elusive despite the concern of the general public.  

     Just like the saying, expect the unexpected, dirtier information come to the surface of attention. In some cases of the homeless people, they are actually manipulated by particular individuals, making money out of their poor conditions. These individuals known as “agents” use the homeless as beggars.

     How does it actually happen? The homeless are stationed in specific places, preferably active and strategic spots flocked by tourists. Their job is simple; they have to beg for money. But, as it turns out, a large portion of their collection goes into someone else’s pockets. It is a sad reality as the reaper does not enjoy the harvest. This is a whole new inhumane level. Even hope has its conditions for the homeless.

     It is believed that there are more skeletons in the closet, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. But, how is this going to end? Who is ultimately responsible for the problems imprisoning the homeless? Will we find a solution? Or will it be another round of the blame game?