Malaysia: June 20 - July 13, 2007

Malaysia History

Malaysia is a young nation, having gained independence from Britain in 1957. The
population is majority comprised of Malays, Chinese and Indian people groups. Malaysia
is officially Islamic. In its 50 years of independence, the country has enjoyed peace and is
wealthy in natural resource; however, the drug trade has introduced addiction, HIV/AIDS
and crime associated with gang activity.

YWAM Malaysia

Kawan (meaning “friend” in Malay) Penang is a new ministry, but is modeled after the
successful Kawan Kuala Lumpur which has been in operation for seven years. The doors
to Kawan Penang officially opened June 28 to a reception of 60 clients. (This number has
increased to 60-90 per day.) The majority of the clients are men; however, there are many
women working as beggars and commercial sex workers in the area and Kawan staff are
working to draw them in. The facility is currently open Monday, Wednesday and Friday,
10 am to 3 pm and serves breakfast, tea and lunch and offers rest and shower facilities.

Problem: Homelessness

Many of the people involved in substance abuse and commercial sex work are homeless.
Life on the street often leads to violence, petty crime and ongoing health issues.

Response

Kawan opens its doors three days a week to provide breakfast, lunch, washing facilities
and a safe environment for rest and socialization.

Problem: Drug Abuse

Penang became the first British outpost in Malaysia in 1786. Since then it has become the
nation’s most densely populated area and is a hub for tourists. More recently, crime in
Penang is on the rise, due in part to the drug culture and subsequent gang activity.

Response

The staff of Kawan has responded to the problem of addiction by referring clients to
Hope House, an affiliated center for substance abuse, and other similar treatment centers.
The staff also offer informal counseling.

Problem: HIV/AIDS

There are 2,000 known HIV/AIDS infected people on the island of Penang, with 20 new
reported cases each month. One person dies from the effects of AIDS monthly.

Response

Kawan is working to reduce the rate of infection, reduce discrimination and improve the
quality of life of those infected with HIV/AIDS by increasing awareness and education of
the disease. Where appropriate, Kawan staff refers clients to facilities to obtain
HIV/AIDS status, Anti-retroviral Treatments and counseling.

Needs*

  • Rent for Kawan facility per month — $500
  • Utilities — $100
  • Meal expense per week — $100
  • Meal expense per month — $350-400
  • Money due to Carpenter for renovations — $2,000
  • Future Renovations for dorm facilities — $13,000

* Checks should be made payable to: Youth with a Mission Malaysia (YWAM not
accepted).


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