Hannah Yeoh seeks lasting solution to homelessness in Kuala Lumpur

KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has been directed to review data on homeless people in the city centre collected through enforcement operations over the past three years.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said the review was aimed at identifying the best solutions to address homelessness in the city centre.

She also wants to seek input from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working on the ground before bringing any proposed measures to the Cabinet.

"I do not want us to simply keep repeating enforcement operations against homeless people.

"I want us to improve the system so that those who need help do not keep returning to the streets," she said in a statement last night.

On Tuesday, Yeoh, who is also the Segambut member of parliament, joined the KL Strike operation in Kuala Lumpur, involving DBKL, the Social Welfare Department and other relevant agencies.

She acknowledged that homelessness could persist if adequate follow-up support was not provided after individuals were screened and referred to the relevant agencies.

"How long are we going to keep carrying out the same homeless outreach operations if they eventually return to the streets?

"I have seen the challenges on the ground myself. Screening facilities are limited, some people lack identification documents and require mental health treatment, while senior citizens and children need protection," she said.