KUALA LUMPUR: The popular malls of Kuala Lumpur buzz with activity, as people mingle with tourists soaking in the capital’s sights.
Yet amidst this vibrant scene, a stark contrast emerges: individuals in shabby attire line the sidewalks, some asleep by the roadside, others loitering unkempt.
The beggar issue in Kuala Lumpur is hard to miss.
In the bustling Bukit Bintang area, some beggars sell tissues, while others silently extend plastic cups to passing tourists and locals alike.
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“These people arrive around 10am and sit there throughout the day,” said a restaurant worker.
“They don’t really disturb anyone but just linger in front of the shops,” added a man, who wanted to be known as Ahmad.
“They often remain in the area until late at night.”
When it drizzled, the vagrants left but returned as soon as the weather cleared. One had a box of medication, while another was with a child and a stroller.
In the Masjid Jamek area, several sat along the road selling mostly textiles.
“They usually move around. Yesterday, we saw a man sitting next to our shop but today, it’s a woman with a child,” said a shopkeeper who identified himself as Yusof.
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Raju, a roadside vendor, said he often sees them shift closer to the shopping mall later in the day.
“During the afternoon, they are usually lined up along the roadside but when it’s cooler in the day, they will sit near the shopping mall walkways instead,” he said.
In Petaling Street, a woman and child were seen sitting at the intersection, asking for alms.
The toddler slept in the woman’s arms as she held a plastic cup filled with small change, with a nearby plastic bag containing RM1 notes.
A passer-by who stopped to give money said she could not stand seeing people in such conditions.
“Regardless if it’s legitimate or not, it’s really sad to see. The least I could do is give some money so she can buy a meal,” said the woman who declined to be named.
According to Welfare Department statistics, 1,184 operations were carried out nationwide last year, with the highest number in Selangor (187), Penang (179), Perak (158) and Johor (118).
These included joint, scheduled and ad-hoc operations. In January this year, 92 operations were conducted nationwide.
