Kuala lumpur: A total of 7,862 homeless individuals have been assisted by the Social Welfare Department (JKM) from 2021 until May this year, announced Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, 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 of cases with 1,742, followed by Penang with 1,288 and Johor with 1,199.

In terms of age demographics, Nancy detailed that 515 individuals were under 18, 5,068 were aged between 18 and 59, and 2,018 were 60 and above. She noted that the ages of some individuals could not be confirmed. This information was shared during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today, where she was responding to Datuk Mohd Isam Mohd Isa (BN-Tampin), who requested updated homelessness data by state and age group, as well as information on the government's plans to tackle homelessness, particularly in major cities.

Nancy highlighted the efforts of JKM, which acts on public complaints and conducts regular operations in collaboration with agencies such as the Ministry of Health, Immigration Department, National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK), and local authorities (PBT).

In addressing a supplementary question concerning the 2022 review of the Destitute Persons Act 1977, Nancy stated that the government has identified outdated provisions in the act. A more practical and suitable approach is being sought to address these issues. She emphasized that the ministry is developing comprehensive strategies aimed at addressing homelessness, which include enforcement measures against beggars and the homeless to ensure initiatives are well-coordinated and focus on helping individuals rebuild their lives.