Beggar Numbers Rising, Poor Persons Act To Be Reviewed

KUALA LUMPUR: A new act to replace the Poor Persons Act 1977 (Act 183) will be drafted following changes in social challenges, including the rise in beggars, the homeless, and the need for special accommodation for these groups.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the ministry is reviewing the existing act to ensure its implementation remains relevant in line with the changing times.

She said among the matters being considered is the drafting of a new act that takes into account current issues, including the rise in the number of beggars and the homeless, as well as the lack of special accommodation for homeless individuals with mental health issues.

“The ministry is reviewing the Poor Persons Act 1977 to adapt its application in line with the changing times so that it remains relevant.

“Among the matters being considered is drafting a new act to replace the existing one, after taking into account various complex challenges of current issues related to the rise in beggars and the homeless, including the lack of special accommodation for homeless individuals with mental health issues.

“The main focus is on current terms, coordinating the authority of relevant agencies, establishing a clear governance mechanism, and balancing rehabilitation intervention aspects with enforcement actions,” she said in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

She was responding to a question from Fong Kui Lun (PH-Bukit Bintang) regarding the number of senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PwDs) recorded as homeless or living rough in urban areas in 2026.

Nancy said the taking of poor persons is carried out by the Social Welfare Department (JKM) and the action is not intended to punish, but rather to protect and rehabilitate them.

She said JKM conducts operations on a scheduled, integrated and ad-hoc basis based on public complaints, together with relevant agencies including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and local authorities (PBT). – BeritaMalaysia

“Based on JKM records, a total of 206 senior citizens have been taken nationwide under Section 3(1) of Act 183 for the period from January to April 2026.

“Of that number, 48 cases involved Kuala Lumpur, while no information was recorded for PwDs taken under this act during the same period,” she said.

Utusan Malaysia