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HOMELESSNESS and begging activities around Seremban’s central market district continue to pose a persistent social challenge despite repeated rescue operations by welfare authorities, with many individuals reportedly returning to the streets after being placed in government care facilities.
Negeri Sembilan Women, Family and Community Action Committee chairman Noorzunita Begum Mohd Ibrahim told Harian Metro that the Social Welfare Department had received three complaints involving beggars and homeless individuals around Pasar Besar Seremban as of April this year.
She said the issue was largely driven by unemployment, lack of permanent housing, mental health conditions, physical disabilities, drug addiction and chronic illnesses.
“Generally, the issue of begging and homelessness occurring in Seremban is caused by several factors, including unemployment and the absence of shelter.
“Other contributing factors include mental incapacity, physical disabilities, drug addiction and chronic illnesses, unauthorised fundraising activities and hawking along sidewalks,” she said.
According to Noorzunita, homeless individuals operating around Pasar Besar Seremban frequently move between locations across the city, including commercial bank areas and other parts of central Seremban.
She said many were also believed to seek food supplies and temporary shelter at Dapur Kausar, located beside the old State Mosque, before relocating to other areas.
“They are also believed to move to Dapur Kausar beside the old State Mosque to obtain food supplies and rest before moving to other locations,” she said.
Noorzunita explained that authorities typically respond to complaints through ad hoc enforcement and rescue operations, but many of those targeted often disappear or relocate before officers arrive.
She revealed that the majority of cases involved repeat offenders, with five men identified as regularly loitering around the market area.
“The cases involved are recurring cases in which five men have been identified as frequently roaming around the area.
“Their identities cannot always be determined. Sometimes they are intoxicated and some of them sell tissues,” she said.
According to her, several individuals had previously been rescued by the Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat and placed at Rumah Minda Ceria Negeri Sembilan, but later escaped and returned to the streets.
Noorzunita said welfare authorities had conducted 10 rescue operations involving beggars and homeless individuals in Seremban district alone as of April this year.
Across Negeri Sembilan, she said a total of 47 operations — including scheduled and ad hoc enforcement exercises — had been carried out during the same period as authorities intensified efforts to manage the growing social issue. - May 19, 2026
