Ramadan: Malaysia’s homeless struggle amid festive glow

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA (MNTV) – As the Malaysian capital illuminates with vibrant Ramadan lights and the aroma of festive bazaars fills the air, a starkly different reality unfolds in its shadowed corners.

For Kuala Lumpur’s homeless, Ramadan is not just about fasting but about enduring intensified struggles—searching for food, shelter, and a moment of solace while others gather for warm iftar meals with their families, Malay Mail reports.

For 41-year-old Mohd Ibrahim Daud, who has spent six years living on the streets, the holy month brings memories of family gatherings and prayers—now replaced by the daily fight for survival.

“Ramadan used to mean family, prayers, and special meals. Now, it’s just about finding food, water, and shelter,” he said, sitting under a flyover near Chow Kit.

He is just one of many in Kuala Lumpur who face the crushing isolation of homelessness, watching as the city celebrates Ramadan while they struggle to secure basic necessities.

Despite the hardships, compassion shines through. Local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and volunteers work tirelessly to provide food, spiritual support, and a sense of belonging to the homeless during Ramadan.

Pertubuhan Jejak Jalanan (PJJ), a community-driven initiative, distributes 200 food packages daily and offers a safe space for the homeless to gather and perform Tarawih prayers.

“Some feel embarrassed to pray in mosques because of their circumstances. If we can’t take them to the mosque, we bring the ‘mosque’ to them,” said Shahdattul Olivia Ferranee Imelda Taib, PJJ’s chairperson.

She noted that by 6:30 PM each evening, many are already waiting—not just for food but for the chance to pray and experience the spirit of Ramadan.

KomunitiKL, another volunteer group, highlights how their presence sometimes means more than just providing meals—it can be life-saving.

“We’ve had cases of people contemplating suicide because of their struggles,” said volunteer Nurul Zayani Yahya. “Sometimes, just knowing someone cares can make all the difference.”

She recalled a heart-wrenching incident last week when a father, overwhelmed by his inability to provide for his family, attempted to take his own life.

“He didn’t know where to turn during Ramadan. But, Alhamdulillah, we reached him in time. Now, he visits our center regularly to pray and seek support.”

As Kuala Lumpur glows with Ramadan festivities, the plight of its homeless remains a sobering reality—one that volunteers and NGOs hope to ease, offering food, faith, and a sense of belonging to those struggling in the shadows.