JOHOR BARU: “This is the first proper meal I received from someone today.”
Baharin Bugiman, 64, originally from Melaka, has been living by the walkway fronting the Straits of Johor near the city centre.
He was in tears on receiving a food packet from Yayasan Kebajikan Suria Johor Bahru.
“I have no family, no children and I’m not married.
“I have been living here for more than two years now.”
Baharin, who is sickly, lost his job a few years ago. He now relies on passers-by for food, clothing, and other daily essentials.
“Sometimes I have to go without a single proper meal in a day.
“We depend on our homeless friends to provide us with some food,” he said.
Yayasan Kebajikan Suria Johor Bahru has been distributing food packets to homeless people in the city centre during the month of Ramadan.
Another elderly man, Ali Jumat, 60, from Johor Baru has been living on the streets since he got divorced.
“I have been sleeping rough for all these years,” he said, fighting back tears.
Ali said, at times, he had to go without food for days.
He depends on random well-wishers to give him food.
“I’m really thankful that there are good souls out there who at least have some thought for the homeless,” he said.
Ali, who is asthmatic, occasionally runs errands for sundry owners.
“I have no home, no family and relatives to depend on.
“I don’t know what will happen when I get older and can’t fend for myself,” he said.
Rusli Sulaiman, 63, from Kelantan has made the pavement near the Straits of Johor his home for 10 years.
“I’m jobless with no family to turn to this Hari Raya. This place will continue to be my permanent abode,” he said.
Social activist James Ho, secretary of Yayasan Kebajikan Suria Johor Bahru, said: “When we give out food we usually socialise with those who receive it.
“In this way, the homeless does not only receive food, but are also be reminded that society still cares for them.”