MALAYSIA - 50 years on, the homeless remain voiceless

50 years on, the homeless remain voiceless

BY MUZLIZA MUSTAFA

SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

LATEST UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 07:26 PM

As Malaysia’s 50th birthday celebrations and tributes to the nation’s founding fathers continue, there remains a neglected section of the populace with its own story to tell.

With neither a roof to call their own nor permanent jobs, folks in this group make up the homeless – and the forgotten – among us.

Along, 32, is one such person. Hailing from Perak, Along moved to the capital in 2008 in search of greener pastures but sadly, ended up in the gutter.

In the five years since, he has done all kinds of jobs, from security guard to helping at restaurants, but nothing permanent - forcing him to live on the street whenever he was out of a job.

"I once worked as a security guard. The pay was ok but there was no proper agreement. When the contract ended, I had nowhere to go but on the street," said Along, the eldest of seven siblings.

With a large cardboard piece for a mattress, Along has made the walkway of a store near Pudu Sentral his "bed"; the same spot all year round, come rain or shine.

Last Sunday, along with many other street people in Kuala Lumpur, Along was made to feel special when a group of nine young activists calling themselves "Dapur Jalanan" laid out a feast for them, coupled with entertainment.

"Dapur Jalanan" coordinator Abdul Hadi Khalid, 31, said the homeless too had their own stories to tell.

"1,000 people, 1,000 stories. You’d be surprised that these people have jobs; it’s just that they cannot afford to rent a room, let alone a house," he said.

Abdul Hadi (pic) said the event was special as it was an open house for the street people.

"There were Hari Raya open house invitations for others; sometimes up to three times a day during the weekend. We have forgotten these people on the street, who hardly have enough to eat. No one celebrates with them so we are here today to share some food and Hari Raya kuih with some entertainment for them. They are Malaysians that many of us have forgotten," he said.

At least 200 homeless turned up for the food.

"Here they are our VVIP (Very Very Important Person)," said Abdul Hadi.

He said the food distribution project has been going on since March and they cooked the food themselves.

"We cook our own food, sometimes it’s tasty, sometimes it’s not, but it’s straight from the heart," said the burly Abdul Hadi.

He said the fare served was simple food based on feedback from the homeless.

"They asked for fried banana (pisang goreng) and cucur cempedak (fried jackfruit); simple things like that and bread with soup," he said.

The menu also included local fruit, soto and satay. The street people, meanwhile, were also serenaded by a blind band as well as a poetry recital.

"I know the volunteers. The food they distribute is always welcome. Enough to get me by for the night,” Along said.

Asked about his plans for the future, Along said he was interested in the food business and hoped to get some help to realise his dream.

"I know people look down on us but I am not dumb. I just need an opportunity. Ministers came to the ground to visit us, but none offered real help. Not money but opportunity that can help me stand on my own feet," he said before excusing himself.

Along usually rises by 6am and heads to Masjid Jamek to shower and perform subuh prayers.

He then helps a friend to sell breakfast for some pocket money; enough to "splurge" on a one-hour session at a cybercafe or on a burger once in awhile.

Those who wish to donate or participate in "Dapur Jalanan" projects can reach them on their Facebook page or go to the Radio Bangsar Utama office in Bangsar. - September 16, 2013.

Source: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com