ISU GELANDANGAN DI MALAYSIA: ANALISA DARI PERSPEKTIF SOSIAL DAN UNDANG-UNDANG (AKTA ORANG-ORANG PAPA 1977 [AKTA 183))

(Homelessness Issues in Malaysia: Analysis from Social and Legal Perspectives (Destitute Persons Act 1977 [Act 183])

Abstract

Isu gelandangan adalah antara fenomena yang mengundang ketidakselesaan kepada sebahagian masyarakat, terutama di bandaraya yang pesat membangun. Kesan urbanisasi yang mengakibatkan ketidakstabilan ekonomi di kalangan masyarakat bandar dikatakan telah menyumbang kepada peningkatan statistik gelandangan di Malaysia. Golongan ini bergelut dalam memastikan kelangsungan hidup mereka akibat kemiskinan dan keterdesakan yang melanda. Tujuan kajian ini dijalankan adalah untuk membincangkan isu berkaitan golongan gelandangan dari sudut sosial dan undang­ undang, bermula daripada definisi, terminologi, undang-undang berkaitan, serta isu penguatkuasaannya. Kajian ini adalah berdasarkan konseptual yang membincangkan isu-isu setempat berkaitan dengan gelandangan dan masyarakat orang papa. Kajian lepas telah digunakan bagi mengenal pasti kajian yang telah dijalankan berkenaan Akta Orang Papa 1977 dari segi terminologi, bidang kuasa, impak sosial dan pengehadan akta. Struktur operasi yang dijalankan oleh Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (JKM) dalam membantu golongan ini juga telah dibincangkan bersama pengehadan akta yang dikaitkan daripada pandangan sosial masyarakat. Kekaburan yang wujud pada Akta Orang Papa 1977 telah memberi kesan kepada keberkesanan penguatkuasan, pengurusan dan pemulihan gelandangan yang dapat dijalankan. Keadaan ini disebabkan oleh ketiadaan pentakrifan yang jelas terhadap konsep gelandangan menerusi akta ini. Maka dengan itu, ia telah memberi impak sosial penguatkuasaan akta, isu berkaitan Perlembagaan Persekutuan Malaysia dan pengehadan Akta Orang Papa 1977 dari sudut sosial masyarakat. Beberapa cadangan bagi menambah baik keadaan yang melibatkan gelandangan seperti pindaan definisi dan penggunaan bidang kuasa telah dibincangkan bagi memastikan golongan ini dilindungi dan produktif dalam kehidupan.

ABSTRACT

The issue of homelessness is a disturbing phenomenon to communities, especially in fast-growing cities. Apparently, homelessness statistics in Malaysia has risen due to urbanisation, which in turn has led to economic instability among urban residents. Homeless or destitute people struggle to survive due to poverty and despair. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyse issues associated with homelessness from a social and legal perspective, beginning with definitions, terminologies, to relevant legislation and enforcement issues. This study is conceptual-based which mainly discuss local issues related to the homeless and destitute community. Previous studies were used to identify studies that had been carried out concerning the Destitute Persons Act 1977 in terms of terminology and jurisdiction including the social impact and limitations of the act. The operational structure of the Department of Social Welfare in assisting these groups are also discussed along with limitations in the relevant legislation from social standpoints. The ambiguity that exists in the Destitute Persons Act 1977 has impacted on the effectiveness of the enforcement and the management and rehabilitation of homeless people. This situation is caused by the absence ofaclear definition oft he concept oft he homeless through this act. Thus, from the social point of view of the community, it has had a social impact on the enforcement of the Destitute Persons Act 1977, issues related to the Federal Constitution of Malaysia as well as limitations of the act. Several recommendations to ameliorate issues regarding homelessness which include modification in its definition and the use of jurisdiction have been proposed to ensure that these people are protected and productive in their effort to secure their livelihood.

Keywords: Homeless, Destitute Persons Act 1977, Department of Social Welfare, destitute persons.