Soup Kitchen for Marginalized, Homeless Community in Kuala Lumpur

Homelessness and marginalization affects many countries, especially when development and urbanization grows unchecked by the government and ignored by society. Malaysia likes to highlight its modern cities and dramatic shift from an agriculture-based nation to a sophisticated civilization. Yet behind the scenes, and often blatantly staring at your face, poverty and hardship grows in Kuala […]

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Kuala Lumpur: Homelessness, Revisited

Homelessness is not a new societal dilemma in Kuala Lumpur. In fact, homelessness affect even beyond the urban and rural poor. Often communities struggle with high cost of living, poor mental health, societal stigmatization and unemployment. Malaysia, with its 30-odd million people, is blessed with natural resources, surrounded by non-threatening neighbours, a wealth of knowledge […]

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On a suffocating day like this, what I need is…

I don’t mind the heat, but I dislike the intense humidity. Almost a choking sensation in this part of the world. I saw the van, a while-coloured vehicle under the shade and partially surrounded by sad-looking trees. The man who operated the mobile food stall was selling cendol, a local delicacy suitable for a damning […]

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Limited space in a low-cost housing

Low cost housing in Kuala Lumpur. They do exist with a catch. The lack of space. Kuala Lumpur is small, if you compare it with Jakarta or Bangkok, with a small, but growing, population of urban poor. These apartments are small some with only two bedrooms, with two families living in painfully cramped quarters. ZashnainAn […]

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I found myself staring at the notorious cement-jungle city

After a long absence from some parts of Kuala Lumpur, I made an eager visit. For a couple of night, despite the horrible pollution, I found myself staring at the notorious cement-jungle city. Public transportation in the city is too expensive, especially the taxi AND if you’re a tourist. However besides the train/LRT – which […]

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Cutthroats on the roads, taxi drivers looking for $$$

It is a heavy burden nowadays to find a decent taxi driver who won’t charge you heaven and earth for a 15-minute ride through the normal rush hour in Kuala Lumpur – weekday or weekend. On second thoughts I should not use the word “decent” when referring to the notorious Malaysian taxi drivers. Quite an […]

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