26/07/2025

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National Archives on track to preserve heritage

Homeless lack potent support KUALA LUMPUR: Kechara Soup Kitchen (KSK) has revealed that the homeless population in Kuala Lumpur includes individuals facing personal crises and systemic gaps, not just those with criminal or substance abuse issues. o Public disdain adds additional layer of despair to suffering of people on streets, who are at nadir of life Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com increase in elderly individuals seeking assistance. “They require help with meals and assistance applying for Welfare Department aid, medical support and other necessities,” he said, adding that the trend is attributable to inflation and rising living costs.

IPOH: The National Archives is committed to supporting academic research and scholarly writing, particularly in efforts to preserve and promote historical heritage. Its director-general Datuk Jaafar Sidek Abdul Rahman said the agency will continue to expand access to archival collections, strengthen strategic partnerships and leverage technology to ensure historical materials remain accessible to future generations. “This aligns with our role under the National Unity Ministry to preserve national heritage through the collection, research and publication of authentic archival materials,” he said at the launch of the book Warisan Sejarah Hulu Reman - Hulu Perak here on Thursday. Jaafar also urged researchers, writers and the public to contribute factual, evidence-based historical works that could inspire patriotism and national unity. He also welcomed the donation of historical documents and personal archives to enrich public knowledge. “With more contributions, writing and research can reshape the landscape of Malaysian history.” The 526-page book, authored by Mohd Zamberi Abdul Malek, draws on archival sources that include British colonial correspondence on the Perak– Siam border dispute, featuring letters and records from foreign and colonial offices. It covers the history of Hulu Perak across four key periods, namely from the Prehistoric Stone Age and tin mining conflicts, to pre-modern border disputes and its eventual integration into the modern state of Perak. Hulu Perak was once a contested region between the Perak Sultanate and the Reman Kingdom of Patani, with the book shedding light on the impact of the area on socio-economic, cultural and political development in both Perak and Malaysia. – Bernama

referrals, rehabilitation centres and safe shelters. He added that stateless individuals or those without formal identification often face bureaucratic barriers when seeking aid. “We urge the public to stop seeing the homeless as a ‘problem to be removed.’ Homelessness is a social symptom, not a crime. Raids and detentions do not (address) root causes. “What we need are holistic interventions such as more low barrier shelters like Pusat Transit Gelandangan Kuala Lumpur, transitional housing, mental health services and job placement, not punitive measures.” Meanwhile, KSK outreach team member Jien Howe said the organisation has seen an

do exist, they are not the majority. “Many of the homeless we serve are quietly enduring hardship, ashamed to ask for help, or simply waiting for someone to notice (them as humans),” he said, adding that he has observed a rise in urban poor since the Covid-19 pandemic. “Families and individuals who were once employed in the informal sector but lost their livelihoods are now among those we assist. “More women, senior citizens and young adults are appearing at our street aid distribution activities. “Some cannot afford rental rooms anymore and are stuck in a cycle of precarious living.” Cheah also said many lack long term support such as mental health services, identity documents, job retraining,

“Many elderly people do not have a fixed income or sustainable savings. “Some work odd jobs, such as cleaning or collecting recyclables, while others seek support from NGOs like KSK. “Some live alone, and a monthly dry food ration is insufficient. Their consumption patterns differ from other adults, so they prefer receiving ready-to-eat meal sets,” Jien said. He added that poor decisions often lead to more severe outcomes for those in vulnerable conditions and called for greater public awareness on financial literacy, substance abuse and family budgeting. KSK has encountered individuals who were previously detained under the Destitute Persons Act and later returned to the streets. “They shared that the centres assisted them with profiling, food, shelter, medical care and other necessary aid,” he said. He added that a few had returned to homelessness after the Welfare Department rehabilitation programmes due to persistent narcotics abuse, or being caught up in loan shark ties or failed stock tradings. KSK has operated for 17 years and has assisted 11,176 homeless persons throughout Malaysia. Jien encouraged more people, including authorities, to volunteer. “By participating in these volunteer sessions, people would better understand how the authorities can improve their support for our most vulnerable friends,” he said.

In an interview with theSun , KSK marketing director Justin Cheah said the homeless community is highly diverse. “While some individuals struggle with drug addiction or mental health conditions, many others are elderly, chronically ill, physically disabled or abandoned by their families. “Some are jobless due to economic hardship, while others are undocumented or have no next of kin.” He said these individuals often experience homelessness not by choice but as a result of broader social and economic failures. “The public often links homelessness with laziness, drug abuse or crime. While these cases

Jien encourages more people to

volunteer at KSK activities to better

understand the issues affecting the homeless. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ /THESUN