KUALA LUMPUR authorities have designated three official locations for the distribution of food and essentials to the city’s homeless, amid growing concerns over uncoordinated handouts by NGOs and private individuals.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, said the unregulated distribution had led to food wastage and raised hygiene issues in areas frequented by the homeless.
"So, to reduce this problem, the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has set three main distribution points, whether for food or other necessities," she said.
Dr. Zaliha outlined the authorised sites as the Chow Kit Community Learning Centre, the Medan Tuanku Homeless Service Centre, and the Kuala Lumpur Transit Centre or Anjung Kembara. Activities at these sites are conducted in collaboration with NGOs registered with DBKL and the National Welfare Foundation (YKN).
To avoid food spoilage, she added that only packaged retort meals are permitted for distribution. A new initiative, the Remeal Outreach Mobile Centre, will also operate as a mobile distribution point in areas with high homeless populations during festive seasons.
She stressed that any NGO, group, or influencer seeking to assist must register with DBKL to ensure hygiene, safety, and the city’s public image are maintained.
"This approach is particularly important during Ramadan to ensure food distribution to the homeless is carried out in an orderly, considerate, and respectful manner," Dr. Zaliha said. - October 29, 2025
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