Tackling homelessness requires whole of society approach, says expert
SHAH ALAM - There are still unresolved structural issues within the country that leads to homelessness still being a tragic scenario for some Malaysians.
For University Malaya senior lecturer at the Department of Social Administration and Justice Dr Noralina Omar said homelessness stems from economic pressure such as high cost of living, low wages, and education level to name a few.
"Economic issues such as high-cost of rent, limitations in employment opportunities, the rising cost of living and less income can threaten the comfort of society,'' she said.
Low-income earners, often attributed to the supposed low education level are among the most vulnerable to being homeless as the wages their earn is barely enough to sustain their needs, Noralina added.
"The income they received can only cover the needs of food and drink not including expenses to rent a room or house, eventually they had to choose the street as a bed," she said.
Noralina also stated that other social factors such as family conflicts such as being a victim of domestic violence, being neglected by family or being single parents are among the reasons an individual is forced to leave home and end up being homeless.
However, Noralina explained that homelessness is a complex and challenging issue that requires a whole of society approach in tandem with cooperation with the private sector and the government to resolve it.
Taking the homelessness situation in Kuala Lumpur as an example, Noralina also stated that there are various groups that provide food or other services to the city's homeless population.
Noralina also contributes to these efforts and mainly provides food to the homeless community in Chow Kit, Masjid Negara, Jalan Tuanku Abd Rahman and Jalan Tun Perak.
While these efforts are appreciated by the homeless community, Noralina explains that a comprehensive approach and a well-planned strategy by the government are needed to address these issues such as underemployment, unemployment, homeownership and even business opportunities.
