KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 — While many city residents spend Friday nights with their families, a group of former military medical officers choose instead to walk the streets of the capital to help those living in hardship.
Along the alleys around Jalan Silang and Chow Kit, they carry medicines and basic medical equipment with a mission that remains unchanged from their days serving in the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) — helping anyone in need.
Although they no longer wear military uniforms, their spirit of service remains strong.
After more than a decade in military service, the six former military medical officers have joined forces through an initiative known as Dr Jalanan.
The programme provides free treatment, consultations and medical assistance to the homeless, B40 groups and urban poor in the capital.
Team coordinator Major Dr Alifarhan Alimudin (R), 35, said Dr Jalanan was established in August 2025 based on the humanitarian values instilled in them during their service in the ATM.
He said they were frequently involved in humanitarian missions such as the Jiwa Murni Programme and Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC), including providing treatment in rural areas and Orang Asli settlements.
“When our service ended, we felt that our efforts to help the community should not stop there.
“As military medical officers, we were taught to always help those in need whenever possible. That is the value we continue to carry through Dr Jalanan,” the Tawau, Sabah native told Media Selangor.
Under the Malaysian Islamic Doctors Organisation (PERDIM) and in collaboration with Food For Gelandangan (FFG), the team not only treats fever and wounds but also assists patients suffering from chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Every week, the team approaches those sleeping on pavements, beneath bridges and in narrow city alleys to clean wounds.
Most of the patients, who are homeless, also undergo blood pressure checks and receive basic medication.
Apart from conducting outreach rounds, the team also operates a small counter in Lorong Haji Taib.
“Our main objective is to ensure these underprivileged groups are not left behind in accessing healthcare treatment.
“Even though they live on the streets, they still deserve proper medical treatment,” he said.
For the record, the Social Welfare Department (JKM) recorded 7,862 homeless individuals nationwide between 2021 and May 2025, with Kuala Lumpur contributing the highest number.
About 90 per cent of the homeless population in Malaysia are local citizens, while the remaining 10 per cent are foreigners.
At the same time, Dr Alifarhan hopes Dr Jalanan can expand further with the participation of more volunteer doctors.
He also envisions the team owning a mobile clinic to provide greater comfort for patients.
“Not only for city residents in Kuala Lumpur, but perhaps also for communities in rural areas that require access to treatment,” he said.
For Dr Jalanan, every step through the alleys of the capital is not merely a medical mission, but an effort to restore human dignity — one life at a time.
