IPOH: A 77-year-old homeless man living in a makeshift structure on an empty plot of land at Menglembu has been asked to clear the area.
The order follows a recent fire at the site.
The man, identified as Diong Yang Lai, has been staying on the Ipoh City Council land at Lebuh Kledang 3, Taman Hong Kong for more than 10 years.
During this time, he collected scrap metal and other recyclable items to sell.
More than 90% of the site, including the collected items, was destroyed after a fire broke out on Saturday (May 23).
Menglembu assemblyman Chaw Kam Foon said residents had frequently complained about Diong occupying the back lane and blocking vehicles from passing through.
"It became a mosquito breeding ground, attracting snakes that have entered homes and creating other safety concerns," he said.
"The biggest concern now is the recent fire, as the area is overgrown with bushes and dry grass," he told reporters during a site visit on Monday (May 25).
"During hot weather, fires can easily occur. This first incident is a warning. Residents also fear that another fire could spread and destroy nearby houses," he added.
Chaw said the Social Welfare Department and the city council will assist in resolving the matter.
Their assistance includes providing RM300, arranging welfare support for the elderly man and carrying out cleaning works in the area.
"I met the uncle today and we reached a verbal agreement where he requested two weeks to clear the area, and the residents agreed to it," he said.
"The welfare department has also suggested to relocate the man to a welfare shelter, but he declined as he was worried about adjusting to a new environment and said that he would stay with his friends," he added.
However, Chaw said the department would assist him in applying for monthly welfare aid, as he is now eligible due to his age.
He also said that he would provide the man with RM1,000 to help with cleaning costs to empty the land.
"The most important thing is that the issue must be resolved and he has to vacate the area within these two weeks," he said.
Chaw said that a nearby kindergarten was affected by the fire, with two windowpanes cracked due to the intense heat.
Diong is originally from Manjung, Perak, and previously worked in the ship repair sector.
He is currently staying with a friend while waiting for assistance.
