Citizen Journalism Blog

This article jolts me back to the harsh reality of living in a city like Penang. I just discovered that all the years when I passed by the soup kitchen near my office in Jalan Larut, I never even notice they are homeless people looking for a free lunch.

I worked there for almost 7-8 years, walking past this shophouse and always notice the bunch of smelly beggars hanging around. I think my colleagues and I probably held on to our purses tighter because we always connect them to snatch thieves.

Once, Jimmy and I were driving around with his GPS to locate the place. We couldn’t find it. Then, I have asked a few beggars several times for direction. I couldn’t find it too.

But few days ago, I suddenly notice the place. Now, I know why there are so many people hanging around the tiny green patch of grass between Jalan Larut and Argyll Road.

It will be my next destination. I also have to cover someone who is now holding a proper job after being homeless.

This article just kick me back to where I started. A citizen journalist to cover homeless and poor issues. And of course, use my ‘other influence’ to help them.

Thanks to change.org for the great reminder.