SOUP kitchens in Kuala Lumpur believe that the homeless are unlikely to cast their ballet in the coming general election as they have more immediate problems to solve. 

Pertiwi chairman, Munirah Abdul Hamid, said the unhoused have no reason to go back to their hometowns to vote. 

“Some have issues with their families, others because of transport difficulties and they have their own personal problems.

“It doesn’t mean anything (voting) to them. So, why should they go back?” she told The Malaysian Insight.

Based on the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) data in March, there were about 700 to 900 homeless people living off the streets in Kuala Lumpur. 

She said that many of these people are not from the capital as they had come from all over the country. 

“There are many from Kelantan, Terengganu, Johor and other areas.

“It doesn’t benefit them in any way (to vote). They don’t even know the candidates.

“(Voting) is not an important issue or a critical matter in their lives.”

Munirah, however, said that some of them are aware that the general election is here, but some also have mental issues so they do not know what is happening. 

She said that the urban poor families might go out and vote if they are living in the same voting district.

“They might go and vote if they stay around Segambut or other areas in Kuala Lumpur, but if they are from outstation they wouldn’t go back.”

Justin Cheah, operations director for Kechara Soup Kitchen, said those who are temporarily unhoused might go out to vote, but those in the hardcore group are unlikely to do it.

He agreed that those who are from other states are unlikely to go back and vote. 

“Transport is an issue and the fact is that many people are from outstation. 

“Although they congregate in Kuala Lumpur, they are not from here. They are not likely to travel back.”

He said that the hardcore homeless are unperturbed by anything taking place around them.

“It’s because they have been on the streets for too long, so they are not bothered.

“Some of them are aware that the elections are coming, but they are not interested.”

Cheah added that his group does not provide any assistance to bring the homeless to vote, but they will assist them in getting the right information. 

“If they need help to know where they are voting then we will help them, also on how to get to the voting centre.”

A homeless person who only wants to be known as Semban, 43, from Batu, said he might go out to cast his ballot. 

“I have previously voted, so I’m planning to do so again. 

“My place to vote is not far from the homeless centre, so I might go.”

Another homeless person who wants to be known as Fai, 41, said that he would return to his home state to vote. 

“I’m from Pahang and came here to look for work. I’m here now, how to go back and vote?

“Going back will cost money. Now, who’s got money?”

Alwi, 60, said that he was still considering whether to go to his polling station in Petaling Jaya. 

“If there is transport then, I might go. I’m still not sure yet.” – November 15, 2022.