New bill in the works to tackle homelessness, begging and urban poverty
Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the bill would include both rehabilitation and enforcement efforts, so that intervention initiatives to assist the homeless were well-structured and effectively targeted.
These measures, she said, aimed to help individuals regain independence and lead better, more meaningful lives.
The ministry also plans to amend the Destitute Persons Act 1977, following a comprehensive review.
"The ministry has completed a review of the act, aimed at identifying outdated or irrelevant provisions that require amendments to better address issues related to homelessness, begging, and urban poverty.
"The ministry is studying the findings in detail to ensure a more holistic framework that provides protection and support in all aspects from enforcement, rehabilitation and social integration," she said in reply to Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin).
Isam, in his supplementary question, had inquired about the findings of the comprehensive review of the Destitute Persons Act 1977 conducted by the ministry.
Nancy also said the ministry, through the Social Welfare Department, had taken in close to 8,000 destitute persons between 2021 and May this year.
She said 1,528 destitute persons had been taken in in 2021, followed by 1,280 in 2022, 2,080 in 2023 and 1,987 in 2024.
"This year, up to May, we have taken in 987 destitute persons."
She said out of the 8,000 destitute persons, Kuala Lumpur recorded the highest number with 1,742 taken in, followed by Penang (1,288) and Johor (1,199).
"Based on age breakdowns, 515 destitute persons were under 18 years old, 5,068 were aged 18 to 59, and 2,018 were 60 years and above. The ages of the remainder were unconfirmed."
She said under Subsection 3(1) of the Destitute Persons Act 1977, the welfare officers were empowered to take destitute persons into custody within 24 hours before bringing them before a magistrate.
She added that the Social Welfare Department conducted such initiatives on an ad hoc basis in response to complaints, as well as through scheduled or periodic operations, either independently or jointly with other enforcement agencies such as the Health Ministry, the Immigration Department, the National Anti-Drugs Agency and local authorities.
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