7,862 Homeless Individuals Taken In Since 2021 – Nancy

KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 (Bernama) -- A total of 7,862 homeless individuals have been taken in by the Social Welfare Department (JKM) from 2021 until May this year, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.

The yearly breakdown is as follows: 1,528 people in 2021, 1,280 in 2022, 2,080 in 2023, 1,987 in 2024, and 987 up to May this year.

Kuala Lumpur recorded the highest number with 1,742 cases, followed by Penang (1,288) and Johor (1,199).

“In terms of age, 515 were under 18, while 5,068 were aged between 18 and 59, and 2,018 were 60 and above. The ages of some individuals could not be confirmed,” she said during question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

She was responding to Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin), who asked for updated homelessness data by state and age group, as well as the government’s plans to address the issue, especially in major cities.

Nancy said the JKM acts on public complaints and also carries out regular and joint operations with agencies such as the Ministry of Health, Immigration Department, National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), and local authorities (PBT).

In response to a supplementary question on the 2022 review of the Destitute Persons Act 1977, she said the government had identified outdated provisions and found that a more practical and suitable approach is needed.

“The ministry is working on comprehensive strategies to tackle homelessness. These efforts include enforcement against beggars and the homeless to ensure initiatives are well-coordinated and focused on helping them rebuild their lives,” she said.

-- BERNAMA