KUALA LUMPUR faces a growing challenge as former prisoners experiencing homelessness plead for opportunities to rebuild their lives.
Many ex-inmates say stigma and limited employment prospects continue to push them to the margins of society despite support efforts from authorities.
One of them, a 42-year-old man who wished to be identified only as Zawawi, has been living on the streets for the past four years following a three-year prison sentence for a fight.
He described the struggle of reintegration, citing his criminal record as a major barrier to finding stable employment.
"I'm not lazy. I'm just an ex-convict, and it's hard for people to accept me as a worker," Zawawi said. "When I was released, I tried to return to work, but my record became a barrier. Many companies rejected me. In the end, I could only take odd jobs that barely paid enough to survive, and I eventually ended up living on the streets."
During the day, Zawawi sleeps at mosques around the city, while at night he works part-time as a security guard at nearby premises.
"If I had a choice, I would live in a comfortable home like everyone else. I didn't choose to become homeless. Life in KL is harsh. With wages barely enough to live on, I just can't afford rent, let alone build a stable life," he explained.
Zawawi rejected common stereotypes about homeless people, asserting that many do work but lack access to opportunities that could improve their circumstances.
"That's what outsiders think. Some of us do work, but we're not given the proper opportunities to improve our lives," he said.
Another man, Rahman, 51, has been homeless for nine years after relocating to Kuala Lumpur when his family home was sold by his sister.
He recounted exploitation by employers who failed to pay promised wages and the difficulties of securing work due to his limited education.
"Every day, I have to move from one sleeping spot to another — under bridges, on building sidewalks, or in alleys in the city centre.
During that time, I've faced many problems, including losing my identity card, money, and personal belongings. Sometimes I become a victim of fights among the homeless, and I've been injured several times," Rahman said.
In response to the complex and persistent issue, the Malaysian government is reportedly reviewing the existing legal framework governing homelessness, including the Destitute Persons Act, as part of efforts to provide more comprehensive and effective solutions.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, noted that although rescue operations are regularly carried out with support from technical and welfare agencies, the issue remains difficult to address due to the diverse backgrounds of those affected.
The testimonies of Zawawi and Rahman underscore the challenges faced by former inmates and other vulnerable groups in Kuala Lumpur, highlighting the urgent need for policy reforms that promote social inclusion, stable housing, and fair employment opportunities. - December 12, 2025
