Beggars and the homeless are beginning to increase in the streets of Kuala Lumpur, and people are concerned.
Based on sources, an office worker noted she would typically see 3-4 beggars near the mall along Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman on weekdays.
“Some of them sit at the entrance to the mall. This does not give a good impression, especially since this is a popular area with tourists”, she said.
StarMetro reported a woman begging on the pedestrian walkway. 78yo named Fauziah from Kelantan, said she begs as she’s unable to find work.
Most employers do not want to take a chance on her. As someone who has no children or spouse, she has no other means of supporting herself other than begging.
“I have siblings, but they have their own families and I do not want to burden them.
“Usually, I can get around RM40-50 in a day”, she said, adding that she rents a room nearby.
Another beggar named Watie (aged 33) said she gets the same.
“I have two children at home and sometimes, there is no one to look after the younger one, who is only 6yo.
“We would ride the bus to the mall and hope we get enough to buy necessities.
“My children go to a tahfiz school as it is free and if there are fees, I would not be required to pay a lump sum”, she said.
When contacted, DBKL’s spokesperson said beggars are not under their purview, as they fall under JKM’s jurisdiction.
Other begging popular spots include Bukit Bintang, Jalan Masjid India and Chow Kit.
