In a striking example of hardship, a family of four has been living in a small car for the past two years in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Their story has recently gained traction on social media, highlighting the severe impact of poverty.

Located in the vicinity of the Amru Al-As Mosque in the Bandar Baru Sentul area, the old vehicle appeared to be abandoned and non-functional. However, upon closer inspection, locals discovered that a husband, wife, and their two young children, who attend a nearby school, have been residing in this makeshift home. This painful narrative has sparked widespread discussion online, with many questioning the harsh realities of poverty. The family had moved from Temerloh in Pahang to Kuala Lumpur in search of a better life, but job scarcity, rising costs, and rental pressures forced them into this dire situation. To avoid living outdoors, they turned their car into their home.

A Lifeline for Two Years
Federal Territory UMNO Information Chief Datuk Sulam Mujafar Gulam Mustaqim was alerted to their plight. He shared a post on Facebook stating, 'This family is entirely dependent on their car. The children go to school, but they have no real home.' He noted that while the car rarely moved, life continued inside it. The parking space at the mosque provided some shelter, but conditions worsened during rainy seasons. The children wore their school uniforms during the day but spent their nights on the back seat of the car. Following the revelation of their situation, UMNO took immediate action by contacting the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) and requesting a transit house from the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

Support is Coming
Datuk Sulam mentioned, 'We are working to provide a rental home to ensure the family finds some comfort and that the children do not miss out on education.' The mosque committee has also pledged assistance, providing the family with occasional meals and water. However, a permanent solution is urgently needed. The viral post has attracted thousands of comments, with many offering donations. One user remarked, 'How is this possible in a wealthy country like Malaysia? The government should take responsibility.' Poverty is not a new issue in Malaysia; the economic downturn following the COVID-19 pandemic has affected millions. According to statistics, 5.6% of the population was below the poverty line in 2024, and urban living costs, particularly for rent and education, exacerbate the situation. In expensive cities like Kuala Lumpur, the rent for a small flat starts at 1,500 ringgit (approximately 28,000 rupees), making it unattainable for many families. Consequently, this family has been forced to live in their car.