KUALA LUMPUR: Findings from integrated operations to address vagrancy in the capital will be presented to the Cabinet to seek long-term solutions, following the rescue of 244 homeless persons across Kuala Lumpur this year.
The latest operation took place on Tuesday (Oct 6) night under the KL Strike Force, led by the Federal Territories Department (JWP).
The multi-agency crackdown was conducted across four sectors, targeting hotspots including Chow Kit, Petaling Street, Bukit Bintang, Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Central Market, and the vicinity of Kuala Lumpur Hospital.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said the operations aimed to identify current trends, including repeat cases involving individuals detected in previous sweeps.
According to a press statement, data from the earlier operations in March and September shows that of the 244 homeless individuals rescued, 204 were Malaysian citizens and 40 were non-citizens.
The total comprised 211 men and 33 women, including children under 18 years of age.
Those picked up during the operations were brought to the Medan Tuanku Homeless Services Centre for screening and categorisation by the relevant agencies, which include the Social Welfare Department, Immigration Department, Ministry of Health, National Anti-Drug Agency, National Registration Department, Kuala Lumpur City Hall, and National Security Council.
Individuals suspected of having mental health conditions undergo assessment by the Department of Psychiatry at Kuala Lumpur Hospital.
Patients requiring further treatment are admitted to wards, while those able to manage themselves are prescribed medication and monitored by family members or non-governmental organisations.
Also present during the operation were Deputy Minister Datuk Lo Su Fui, Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud, and JWP Director-General Datuk Muhammad Azmi Mohd Zain.
