KLIA woman using terminal as shelter has mental health documentation, transferred to Kajang Hospital
PETALING JAYA: A woman who had been using seating areas at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 as temporary accommodation has been found to possess mental health documentation and has been transferred to Kajang Hospital for appropriate care.
KLIA deputy district police chief Superintendent Albany Hamzah confirmed that the local woman was handed over to Kajang Hospital on Thursday following complaints about disturbances she had caused at the airport.
“We received reports regarding disruptions caused by this woman, which prompted us to deploy officers to assess the situation,” he said when contacted by Kosmo.
“Following our investigation, we discovered that the local woman carries mental health documentation and she has been transferred to Kajang Hospital for further assistance,” Albany explained.
The case gained public attention after a video circulated on TikTok showing a woman reportedly living rough at the airport behaving aggressively towards passengers.
READ ALSO: Woman allegedly living at KLIA for a year sparks online debate
The footage, uploaded and shared through several social media accounts, captured the woman in a heated argument with another individual after she allegedly scolded children who were playing in the area.
The incident has highlighted a broader issue at KLIA Terminal 1, where the facility has reportedly become a temporary refuge for several individuals experiencing homelessness.
According to earlier reports, at least five people—both men and women—have been using the terminal as shelter for over a year. These individuals are said to avoid staying at KLIA for extended periods to evade detection and potential detention by authorities. Instead, they reportedly move between locations, including various areas around the capital city.
An observation by the Malay daily conducted at KLIA over nearly three hours revealed that these individuals use departure hall seating as sleeping areas and fourth-floor restrooms for personal hygiene.
This case underscores the intersection between mental health challenges and homelessness in Malaysia. The woman’s possession of mental health documentation suggests she may have been previously diagnosed or treated for mental health conditions, though specific details have not been disclosed by authorities.
The transfer to Kajang Hospital indicates that authorities are treating this as a welfare and health matter rather than purely a security or public order issue.
Airport authorities and social services have yet to comment on longer-term strategies to address the presence of individuals experiencing homelessness at KLIA or to provide support services for those with mental health needs who may be living in public spaces.
The incident raises questions about the availability and accessibility of mental health services and housing support in Malaysia, particularly for vulnerable individuals who may fall through gaps in the social safety net.
