A coalition of NGOs today urged the government to abandon its plans to amend the Destitute Persons Act 1977 (DPA) which will make life tougher for the homeless population.

The group of 22 NGOs said the law which allows homeless people to be arrested and detained has proven ineffective.

The upcoming amendment is expected to criminalise acts deemed to be begging and provide police-like powers to welfare officers in apprehending members of the community.

"We urge the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, the Ministry of Federal Territories and all lawmakers to stop the said amendments and hold an inclusive town hall consultation with the community, the single most important stakeholder.

"We firmly believe that the DPA 1977 should be repealed and existing policies, rules, regulations and powers of relevant agencies be revised to widen the scope of the same to empower and uplift the quality of lives of the community," they said.

Among the 22 NGOs include Sisters in Islam and Lawyers for Liberty, Persatuan Kesedaran Komuniti Selangor, Suaram, All Women's Action Society and Dapur Jalanan Kuala Lumpur.

Under the DPA 1977, persons deemed to be “destitute” can be arrested, investigated and detained for up to three years at welfare homes.

A person detained under the Act may also face the risk of imprisonment should he or she is deemed “resistant” during arrest, or is found to have breached strict rules imposed by designated welfare homes.

The amendment is part of the government’s bid to address the issue of growing homelessness in the country.

This included placing metal bars on benches in Kuala Lumpur to stop the homeless from using them to sleep.

Public outcry, however, forced the government to overturn a ban on soup kitchens from operating in Kuala Lumpur city centre.