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This story is about the life and times of Uncle Amran, capturing his worldviews, thoughts, and insights after spending over 50 years living on the streets of Kuala Lumpur.
Uncle Amran was no ordinary man. A graduate in electrical engineering, his life took an unexpected turn when heartbreak pushed him onto the streets.
For nearly five decades, he lived as a homeless wanderer, navigating the cities of Johor Bahru, Penang, Ipoh, and Kuala Lumpur. Tragically, he passed away in 2021 to COVID-19.
Uncle Amran’s life story is not only a testament to resilience, reflection, and the enduring spirit of humanity – through his insights, he revealed truths about the homeless that many Malaysians don’t see.
A Life on the Streets
Uncle Amran, pictured center sitting next to Shi Wen, founder of Save Environment, Save Ourselves. Image: Gabriel Gan
At 23, Uncle Amran’s life was upended when his fiancée was married off to someone else. Heartbroken, he left his home and began his life on the streets, starting in Johor Bahru as a lorry attendant.
“In the 70s, we earned RM8 daily, enough when nasi lemak was just 10 sen,” he reminisced. Over the years, his existence became a journey through Malaysia’s cities, observing the universality of homelessness.
“Homelessness isn’t unique to Malaysia,” he told In Real Life. “Every country has its share. The solution isn’t punishment but realistic support and job opportunities.”
Uncle Amran was a staunch critic of the enforcement of the “Destitute Rule,” which criminalizes the homeless after midnight. “We’re treated as potential criminals when all we want is a place to sleep,” he lamented.
The Daily Struggles
Life on the streets is fraught with challenges, especially during the rainy season.
“Windy rain soaks everything—your body, your mat. Sometimes you have to sleep standing up,” he explained, smiling through the memory. Yet, he would speak gratefully of NGOs that provide essentials like meals, clothing, and mosquito coils.
His mornings would often start without breakfast, as he’d save his energy for the meals provided by kind-hearted organizations. Despite the struggles, he had found joy in the camaraderie among the homeless community and volunteers for NGOs, helping others like himself.
The Root of Homelessness
According to Uncle Amran, homelessness often stems from fractured family structures. “It starts at home,” he asserted.
“A child deprived of love and harmony grows up seeking it elsewhere, often in the wrong places.” He emphasized that societal issues like loneliness and neglect are central to homelessness.
As the de facto spokesperson for the homeless community in Kuala Lumpur, Uncle Amran had proposed a cooperative approach to address homelessness, where those affected work together in teams, creating a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
“The biggest enemy of the homeless isn’t poverty; it’s loneliness,” he said.
The “Robber’s Society”
Uncle Amran also critiqued the growing emphasis on wealth and competition, calling it a “Robber’s Society.” He observed that modern priorities often sacrifice humanity for financial gain.
“The wealthy don’t help the needy because we don’t increase their profits,” he said, highlighting the systemic neglect of marginalized groups.
He saw this as a broader issue and warned that unchecked materialism erodes compassion and respect for the elderly. “The beauty of humanity is almost destroyed,” he warned, calling for leadership that values humanity over riches.
A Call for Humanity
Through his reflections, Uncle Amran underscores the importance of civics and moral education.
“Civics teaches us about manners and responsibilities, not just competition,” he said, adding that all religions emphasize humanity over wealth.
He believes that fostering love, friendship, and responsibility—especially through marriage and parenting—is key to rebuilding a compassionate society.
A Legacy of Reflection
Uncle Amran’s life challenges conventional notions of success and fulfillment. His life story reminds us that humanity thrives not in wealth or status but in how we treat one another.
His words leave us with a thought-provoking question: Are we building a society that values humanity, or are we letting materialism rob us of our compassion and connection?
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