By Elya Abdullah
Poverty and social exclusion disproportionately affect people with disabilities, older adults, ethnic minorities, the homeless and those with substance abuse issues.
A variety of factors places people in a weak position. Being disadvantaged, they may not be capable of protecting themselves from harm or from being taken advantage of by unscrupulous quarters.
These unfortunate folk in Malaysia may include youths, older adults, people with mental health issues, people with disabilities and those with learning disabilities.
Some of them may wander around aimlessly. At times, they seek help from anyone they see.
But society often neglects them as people are concernd about their personal safety.
Recently, a man with mental health issues was spotted in Bangsar Park wandering about unsteadily. It was pitiable to see him in this state.
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The government and local communities have not reached out enough to such vulnerable people. Often, these folks find themselves regarded as social outcasts.
In reality, they need help to find themselves and rebuild stability in their lives after experiencing some deep-seated trauma.
Trauma is not something that has happened to you. Trauma is something that happens inside you as a result of what happened to you.
That glue-sniffing guy must have suffered trauma at some stage of his life. He must have felt pain, so he sniffs glue to get high and reduce his pain. But what caused the pain?
Yes, they need help to find themselves and understand why they feel the pain. They need help to get it resolved.
But few doctors are trained in treating such trauma.
Can future politicians and wannabees among Bangsar Park residents think about this?
A trauma-stricken Malaysian society must come together and find ways to help these unfortunate folk who are part of the national mosaic. Such a response will embellish our credentials as a caring society.
Elya Abdullah, a longtime resident of Bangsar Park, is a child activist with Orphancare.
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
