MCO increases the rate of Homelessness in Kuala Lumpur.
(Source: Unsplash / Matteo Ferrero)

KUALA LUMPUR – The Movement Control Order (MCO), which enters the third phase from May 12 to June 7, 2021, will be a significant factor in the increase in the number of homeless in Kuala Lumpur.

The issue of homelessness is not strange in Malaysia. Still, due to the increase in COVID-19 cases, it indirectly raises concerns to this group who are vulnerable to the COVID-19 outbreak and makes it a national issue that needs to be focused on.

A resident of Kuala Lumpur, Hakim Amin, 21, said the issue needed to be addressed immediately as the country is still struggling with the pandemic.

"Our main concern now is the COVID-19. We are trying our best to solve the disease, so we need to start from the homeless, those who do not have good personal hygiene and safe shelter," he said in an interview with Berita DIMENSi through WhatsApp.

We can probably expect large-scale homeless clusters in Kuala Lumpur due to the lack of assistance channels to them.

At the same time, the rate of increase in cases will cause the government to further tighten the enforcement of the MCO.

"The implementation of this stricter MCO has its risks; it can contribute to the rate of increase in the number of homeless due to the community around Kuala Lumpur whom lost their jobs and becoming poor urban status,” he added.

They deserve a better health care during Covid-19

(Source: Unsplash / Fredrick Lee)

According to Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) report in July last year, Kuala Lumpur recorded the highest number of homeless people as it was the central city for the community to earn an income.

As a result, the implementation of MCO led to an increase in the number due to the community was squeezed with financial problems and layoffs so that they could not afford to cover daily expenses.

Another Kuala Lumpur resident, Nazrul Danish, 22, has a different opinion on the status of urban poverty that has plagued the country since the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I think that the individual can resolve the issue of urban poverty before being given any special assistance. They have to try to find a way to earn a living because it must be admitted that nowadays it is easy to earn an income in various ways.

"In any case, they should be given emotional support to remain positive. Those who are called the poor of this city used to be workers; then they have to instill the attitude of enthusiasm, effort, and independence in life,” he said during a call interview with Berita DIMENSi.

Speaking of aids, there were efforts made by the government and NGOs to help the homeless during pandemic. Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development has established a homeless transit center to assist.

But the question is, is it enough? And will it be able to keep them from getting caught up in the spread of the epidemic that is plaguing the country?

Adilan Razak, 25, stressed that the government needs a welfare institution with stable funds to help this group.

"I feel the government must create welfare institutions that have stable funding channels. If there are charitable institutions but no substantial funds, how to even save them?

"With the current situation of COVID-19, they have no shelter and sleep on the sidewalk with lack of hygiene and health care, necessities are not enough, we need to create more transit centers.

"So it is not just the basic needs that should be given. Increase the number of transit and health centers for this group. That is what needs to be done,” he said through a face-to face interview with Berita DIMENSi.

With that being said, the government and NGOs should enhance their roles in order to help this community to survive in a long-term plan.

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