Homelessness is a reality that exists even in the most developed cities. More often than not, we see homeless individuals in the poorer parts of town, rarely in prime areas like the Golden Triangle. This might have something to do with how shop owners and security personnel react when someone is found lingering outside their shops—whether sitting on a bench or resting nearby.
Take a walk around the KLCC area, for example, and you’ll hardly see anyone who appears homeless. In contrast, areas like Medan Pasar or Masjid Jamek paint a very different picture. It’s likely that if someone were to lie down outside Suria KLCC, they’d be quickly asked to leave by the guards.
In the photo attached to this blog post, you can spot a homeless person sleeping on the bottom right of the walkway. This walkway is just beside a McDonald’s, not far from the Masjid Jamek LRT station. People pass by without a second glance, simply continuing on with their day. Had this been in Pavilion or KLCC, it’s almost certain that security would have stepped in.
Is this a problem that will continue?
I believe so. No matter how much we progress, there will always be a small segment of society that ends up homeless. It’s a sad truth. From my conversations with some of them, I’ve learned that many have been abandoned, while others have been victims of syndicates and scams. Often, they’re not truly homeless—but are forced into begging. How do you tell the difference? Usually, you’ll spot someone else—often able-bodied—nearby, collecting the money.
So next time you’re walking through the city, take a moment to observe. You’ll begin to notice what’s often hidden in plain sight.