Malaysia rescued 206 elderly people under the Destitute Persons Act in the first four months of 2026 as the government reviews welfare laws.
PETALING JAYA: More than 200 elderly individuals found living as vagrants or in vulnerable conditions have been taken in by authorities nationwide in the first four months of this year, as the government steps up efforts to protect and rehabilitate the country’s ageing and vulnerable population.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said a total of 206 elderly persons were taken in under Section 3(1) of the Destitute Persons Act 1977 [Act 183] between January and April 2026.
Of the total, 48 cases were recorded in Kuala Lumpur, while no cases involving persons with disabilities (OKU) were recorded under the same Act during the period.
Responding to Fong Kui Lun (PH-Bukit Bintang) in the Dewan Rakyat today, Nancy stressed that enforcement actions under the Act were not intended to punish destitute persons but to provide protection, rehabilitation and support to help them reintegrate into society.
“The Social Welfare Department (JKM) conducts scheduled, integrated and ad hoc operations based on public complaints, together with relevant agencies including the Royal Malaysia Police, local authorities, the Health Ministry, Immigration Department and the National Anti-Drug Agency,” she said.
Nancy said those taken in would undergo screening to determine suitable rehabilitation programmes or social interventions based on their individual needs.
She said follow-up measures included family reunification, placement in JKM-managed institutions such as Rumah Seri Kenangan for elderly persons requiring care, as well as admission to Desa Bina Diri for those who are still productive and able to participate in rehabilitation programmes.
“Through Desa Bina Diri, they undergo rehabilitation, skills training and guidance aimed at improving discipline, self-confidence and employability so they can become independent and return to functioning within society,” she said.
Nancy added that the ministry, through the National Welfare Foundation (YKN), also operates Anjung Singgah, which provides temporary accommodation, food assistance, counselling, health screenings, personal development programmes, job matching and referrals to relevant agencies for homeless individuals.
She said YKN, in collaboration with the Federal Territories Department, also manages the Kuala Lumpur Homeless Transit Centre to provide additional support for those in need.
At present, institutions under the Social Welfare Department, Anjung Singgah and the Kuala Lumpur Homeless Transit Centre have a combined capacity to accommodate more than 2,600 individuals requiring protection and rehabilitation, she said.
Nancy said the ministry would continue improving existing services, including expanding capacity and extending welfare facilities to new locations based on current needs.
She also revealed that the ministry was reviewing the Destitute Persons Act 1977 to ensure it remains relevant in addressing evolving challenges, including the rising number of homeless individuals and beggars, as well as the lack of specialised facilities for homeless persons with mental health issues.
“The review is also considering the introduction of a new Act to replace the existing legislation, taking into account current challenges, clearer governance mechanisms, coordination of agencies’ authority, and the need to balance rehabilitation interventions with enforcement measures,” she said.
