Latest news with #Act183
The Star
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Destitute Persons Act to be amended to tackle homelessness, says Nancy
KUALA LUMPUR: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry plans to amend the Destitute Persons Act 1977, following a comprehensive review aimed at addressing homelessness and urban poverty more effectively. Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri stated that a review of the Destitute Persons Act 1977 (Act 183) has been completed, and key findings are being studied as the basis for new legislation. "We are identifying provisions in the current Act that are outdated and require a more practical and suitable approach to managing homelessness and vagrancy, especially in the context of urban poverty," she told Dewan Rakyat on Thursday (July 23). In response to a question from Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN–Tampin) on government efforts to address homelessness, Nancy said a new legal framework is proposed to define more clearly the responsibilities of various government agencies, including at the federal, state, and local authority levels, and promote a more integrated response to homelessness and begging. The Ministry is now working towards drafting a specific Bill on vagrancy and homelessness to ensure interventions are more targeted and effective. "This includes rehabilitation and enforcement, so that efforts to help the homeless are well-structured and goal-oriented—ultimately enabling them to regain independence and live with dignity," she said. As of May this year, 987 homeless individuals have been assisted through enforcement and outreach operations coordinated by the Social Welfare Department. These efforts, she said, were carried out both regularly and on an ad hoc basis, with support from agencies including the Health Ministry, Immigration Department, National Anti-Drugs Agency, and local councils. "From January to May 2025, a total of 987 homeless individuals were helped through temporary placements, medical treatment, or social interventions, depending on their specific circumstances," she said. Under Section 3(1) of the Destitute Persons Act 1977, welfare officers are empowered to take destitute persons into custody within 24 hours and present them before a Magistrate for further action. She said enforcement is carried out responsibly, with attention paid to each individual's needs and well-being. Nancy also highlighted that many of those housed in Desa Bina Diri rehabilitation centres are not typical vagrants or beggars, but individuals with underlying mental health conditions. "Some have severe behavioural issues, and while they should ideally be under the care of the Health Ministry, they often return to our centres after short-term treatment. For instance, there are currently 82 people in the Cheras facility, and more than 300 in other locations," she said. She acknowledged the strain this puts on social services, but said the Ministry continues to provide care and shelter, including for individuals who require more secure, specialised environments. "For those deemed fit to work, we help them find employment. The situation is constantly evolving, but our goal remains the same: to ensure their welfare and help them rebuild their lives," she added.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Vermont pilots workforce expansion in Addison County, Northeast Kingdom
MONTPELIER, Vt. – (ABC22/FOX44) – Four Vermont counties will be the first to trial a new effort to get more people out of unemployment and into the workforce. Vermont's Department of Labor is piloting the program, which aims to connect employers with job seekers. It lists among its four primary goals to increase workforce participation and increase worker wages as they enter new jobs. Federal minimum wage would rise to $15 under Sen. Hawley bill Both regions piloting the program will focus on jobs in manufacturing and health care. For the Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce (NEKCC) which covers Orleans, Essex, and Caledonia Counties, health care is a particularly important employment sector in a rural and largely older region of the state. Essex County has a median age of 51 according to U.S. Census estimates, the oldest in Vermont. 'Our employers are eager for talent, and our communities are full of people ready to work but in need of better pathways,' said Loralee Tester, the director of NEKCC. Governor Scott signs bills on health insurance, drug use, technology The Addison County Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC) aims to coordinate job training and outreach towards underemployed groups including youth, people without high school diplomas, and people with disabilities. While Addison County has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state, barriers remain for people who struggle with access to housing and childcare. Alex Armani-Munn, ACEDC's executive director, shared, 'With such a tight labor market, workforce development in Addison County is a complex issue with no easy fix. Having the additional capacity and support offered by the Workforce Expansion Program will be critical.' This workforce expansion program is the result of Act 183 passed by the Vermont Assembly in 2022. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Star
22-05-2025
- The Star
Welfare Department to serve as main coordinator
PETALING JAYA: The Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur Welfare Department (JKMWPKL) will serve as the main coordinating body on issues related to beggars through the KL Strike Force Committee under Destitute and Children activities. Under the Destitute Persons Act 1977 (Act 183), a person who begs is defined as an individual who engages in any conduct that encourages the giving of alms. The JKM and other enforcement agencies regularly conduct joint, scheduled and ad-hoc operations to pick up beggars. As such, any authorised officer or welfare officer can pick up a destitute person and bring them before a magistrate within 24 hours. 'JKM is constantly collaborating with other enforcement agencies, including local authorities (PBT), the Immigration Department (JIM), the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), the National Registration Department (JPN) and other agencies according to the case category. 'However, JKM only takes action against beggars who meet the definitions as stated in Act 183,' JKM told The Star. It added that JKM officers do not have jurisdiction over destitute individuals who fall under the enforcement of other agencies. These include non-citizens and immigrants holding United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) cards (Immigration Act 1959/63, Act 155); mentally disturbed beggars (Mental Health Act 2001, Act 615); cases of suspected chronic or infectious diseases (Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988, Act 342); drug addicts (Drug Dependants (Treatment and Rehabilitation) Act 1983, Act 283); alcohol addicts (Minor Offences Act 1955, Act 366); glue sniffers (Poison Act 1952, Act 366); and unauthorised collectors (House to House and Street Collections Act 1947, Act 200). For such cases, action will be taken by the relevant enforcement agencies under their respective legal jurisdictions.
The Star
22-05-2025
- The Star
Call to update Destitute Act
PETALING JAYA: As the cars wait in line for the lights to turn green, a group is on the move. Street beggars knocking on car windows have become a common sight in the Klang Valley. They are also to be found elsewhere – many park themselves along pavements, LRT stations and places where people gather. The old and outdated Destitute Persons Act 1977 (Act 183) does not have enough enforcement powers and authority to deal with the issue of beggars and the homeless, says lawyer Rajsurian Pillai. He said there needs to be either new laws or preferably, updates to the existing laws, as the current Act only provides for the protection, care and rehabilitation of those determined to be 'destitutes'. 'The term 'destitutes' is vaguely and broadly defined and the law is also based on colonial anti-vagrancy laws. Many who are caught often return to begging and remain homeless upon release. 'Perhaps, more penal punishments need to be introduced to give the Act more teeth i.e. fines, compounds, community service, imprisonment and other court-determined orders,' he said in response to the issue of the rising number of beggars in the city. Rajsurian added it was vital to take into account that begging has evolved over time, with some making it a 'career' and syndicates using children or trafficked persons. Malaysian Anti-Drug Association (Pemadam) human resource development bureau honourary secretary Rashdan Rashid also agreed that firm enforcement is needed under Act 183. He suggested that fines be imposed on people who give money to beggars. 'In Indonesia, there are several provinces (Surabaya, Jogjakarta and Bandung) where those who are begging are caught and those who give money are fined. This is what is needed to make the Act an effective law. 'When you can no longer give out money to beggars, it immediately hits the nail right on the issue,' he said. He also said Rela personnel could be used to help guard specific areas where vagrants are known to be present. Asked on how to handle the beggars from marring the image of the country, Rashdan suggested that they be placed at temporary shelters and given training to pick up new skills. Kechara Soup Kitchen Society marketing director Justin Cheah, who has been helping vagrants for years, says beggars are not necessarily homeless and homeless people are not beggars either. 'Beggars have now become a common sight in places where there are a lot of people coming and going. 'We need officers from the Welfare Department or local councils to get these people off the streets but we also need transit homes where they can be placed. 'Once they are in these shelters, we need to help them move on with jobs, families and skills. But there are no specific laws to address begging and homelessness,' he said, adding that amendments to Act 183 have been pending without any positive outcome. On Oct 17 last year, Women, Family and Community Development Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad told the Dewan Rakyat that they have identified provisions under Act 183 that require a new, more practical and appropriate approach in addressing the issue of homelessness and begging. She added that the ministry had examined the findings of the study conducted on the Act. The result of the study, which was completed in June 2024, includes recommendations on the content, approach and scope of the Bill in handling the issue.
