KUALA LUMPUR – DBKL’s announcement to ban direct distribution of food to the homeless has been misconstrued and should instead be welcomed, said Datuk Munirah Abdul Hamid, the founder of Pertiwi Soup Kitchen.
She said that the decision was not an outright ban and DBKL had on April 10 said in a statement that food distribution can still be made via two homeless transit centres in Jalan Pahang and Medan Tuanku, as well as the community learning centre in Chow Kit.
“The media sensationalised the story with their headlines.
“It is not a direct ban, and DBKL’s decision is actually a good one,” Munirah told The Vibes.
She said that NGOs are generally agreeable with the decision as they will be able to avoid food wastage.
“The objective currently is to ensure that a homeless person does not end up with 20 to 30 packets of food.
“The food just ends up being left behind causing a mess which attracts rodents.
“How can we disrespect food when there is famine around the world?” asked Munirah.
She said the act of giving food to the homeless will also not be sensationalised anymore.
“Most of the time, those who donate food to the homeless end up taking footage of their work which will be uploaded on social media and this is disrespectful.
“It will also prevent long queues for food.
“Homeless kids end up camping at the roadside waiting for their food and putting their lives at risk.
“How can you make this a way of life for them – to camp by the roadside waiting for food, and then go home late at night?” she said.
Netizens were recently up in arms over DBKL’s announcement to ban food distribution.
“Just come out and say it. DBKL wants to exterminate the poorest segment of society.
"Busy stealing money until there's nothing left for social programmes.
“It’s left to volunteers and NGOs to shoulder the government’s responsibility,” commented Facebook user Aaron Paul Ang.
Another Facebook user JW EY commented: “Why DBKL so inhumane? NGOs are footing the bill from the public’s charitable contributions.. No food, how would they survive? As though DBKL has a lot of beautiful sites to showcase to tourists. Just take a look at your public toilets, pedestrian walkways ... world class is it?” – The Vibes, April 12, 2021
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