More Than a Meal: Lessons in Compassion from DJKL’s Soup Kitchen

30 April 2023, Kuala Lumpur - It all started with a suggestion. I can vividly recall the day when I suggested Dapur Jalanan Kuala Lumpur (DJKL) to my group of eleven as part of our SULAM project. As a member of a university community partnership project called SULAM, I was tasked with finding a volunteering opportunity for our group of nine. After hearing about DJKL from a friend who was once involved with the organization, I suggested we volunteer at their soup kitchen in Kuala Lumpur. Little did I know that this decision would lead to a transformative experience in my life.

At first, I was sceptical about the effectiveness of yet another soup kitchen in Kuala Lumpur. The first thing came to my mind when the soup kitchen has been mentioned is “excessive of food” and “waste”. I used to think that there were already many NGOs distributing food to the homeless in Kuala Lumpur, and sometimes the excess of food would go to waste, especially during fasting month. However, DJKL proved me wrong. On the 30th of April 2023, the eleven of us arrived at DJKL's cooking spot, Kelab Bangsar Utama, located in a bustling part of the city. We were welcomed by the passionate members of DJKL, who took the time to explain their concept to us, which was what made them different from the other soup kitchens in Kuala Lumpur.

Unlike others, DJKL distributed the food directly in bowls right after the food is cooked, ensuring that the homeless received hot and fresh meals. The concept draws inspiration from Malaysia's teatime tradition, where they typically serve a combination of noodles and soup as a delightful complement. Examples include dishes like laksa Sarawak, mi rebus, mi Bandung, kuey tiaw with soup, and many more. On that particular day, they chose kuey tiaw with tom yum, offering a flavourful and satisfying choice. Their explanation on the concept somehow opened my eyes to the fact that when the repackaged food is handed to the homeless, it is often already cold and make it less appetising. Hence, this kind of concept brought by DJKL was a luxury they rarely experienced - the chance to enjoy hot and soupy food, a treat that is often undervalued by the majority of us but highly cherished within the homeless community.

After the meals are done and ready to serve, we moved to Jalan Panggong. The vibrant energy at Jalan Panggong was palpable. Beside the location of the food distribution, the white canopy, and the banner proclaiming "Klinik Rakyat - MRCS Health Outreach Services" caught my attention. It turned out to be a collaboration between the Malaysian Red Crescent and DJKL, offering not only nourishment but also free health check-ups to the homeless community. Klinik Rakyat along with the Malaysia Red Crescent will collaborate every 2 months to serve the community, and this time, both collaborated with Dapur Jalanan Kuala Lumpur to serve the homeless community. Their tagline, “badan yang sihat, perut yang kenyang adalah hak anak semua bangsa” kind of had me agreeing with it. Wherever you are or no matter how rich you are, you should know that no individual should endure the plight of hunger or struggle to access healthcare. 

Before we started to distribute the food, we were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 was responsible for food distribution. Group 2 had to be in charge with the drinks. I was assigned to Group 3, responsible for hygiene tasks. To be honest, I felt a sense of relief when I have been selected in this group. Being an introverted person, this role allowed me to contribute while maintaining a level of comfort compared to the other 2 groups. Alongside my five group mates and four experienced DJKL members, we embarked on our duty of washing plates, cups, and cutlery. Little did I know that this seemingly mundane task would become a gateway to connections and stories that would forever impact me.

As the homeless community approached our section to return their used dishes and wash their hands, an opportunity for interaction arose. I still can picture the moment in my head, a homeless elderly Chinese lady was the first person to greet me. “Adik dah makan?”, she asked softly, with a bowl of hot soup in her hands. Of course, as an introvert, I initially felt a sense of awkwardness during this first encounter. However, as time passed, I found myself cherishing the moments we shared and surprisingly enjoying the conversations. Through these conversations, the stories of these individuals deeply resonated within me, revealing burdens that often remained unseen. Surviving in the expensive city of Kuala Lumpur proved to be an ongoing struggle for them. Some of them opened up about their daily challenges, providing a glimpse into their lives, while giving us some advice. Witnessing their genuine gratitude for the kindness shown to them by Dapur Jalanan and other volunteers profoundly touched my heart. These small acts of compassion, apparently, made them feel cared for and reminded them that they were not forgotten in this society.

In that moment, I realized the power of even the smallest acts of kindness in bridging the gaps between people from diverse walks of life. Compassion emerged as the common thread connecting us all. My assumptions were shattered when I realized that the homeless in Kuala Lumpur face great financial constraints in their struggle to survive. Some heartbreakingly shared how they had been abandoned by their own children, left to navigate the twilight years alone. But some of them are too old to work to make ends meet. One particular conversation stuck with me. I had the privilege of speaking with an elderly gentleman who revealed the daily battle he waged to make ends meet despite earning only minimum wage in this city. He confided in me about the challenges of affording his necessary medication on his meager income. Listening to his story evoked a whirlwind of emotions within me—compassion, empathy, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the privileges I often took for granted. It served as a stark reminder that circumstances can swiftly change, underscoring the importance of approaching our interactions with others through the lens of compassion. The story sharing session was not something that I expected. The moment was still clear in my mind, the sight of the homeless community queuing up for meals, happily waving and greeting one another, initially intrigued me. But I soon realized there was more to their story – hidden pain beneath their smiles. It was a reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and only they truly know how much pain they have to endure every day. This encounter revealed their remarkable resilience in the face of adversity, leaving a lasting impact on me.

Throughout the volunteerism activity, I realized the significance of DJKL's work, not only they are providing hot meals but also their commitment to support the homeless community during challenging times. DJKL's dedication to serving the community went beyond a typical soup kitchen. They organized projects like Dapur Raya, which provided essential items for homeless individuals to celebrate the festive season. According to what Nasrul told us the moment we arrive at the cooking point, DJKL could not operate around two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and government restrictions, making the soup kitchen not able to distribute the hot meals like they usually do. Thinking about the homeless community, there are so many questions lingered in my head. “Do they get enough nutrition?” “Who took care of them when COVID-19 hit our country?” “Is there anyone who willingly lend their ears to listen to their stories and give them support which they need the most?”. I did not dare to imagine how they suffered without the amount of help they usually receive before the outbreak. It must be a hard time for them, yet they made it to these days.

As the sun began to set, signalling the end of the volunteerism activity, I couldn't help but reflect on the connections forged that day. The bonds between our groups and the DJKL members, especially the 4 members in Group 3, had transcended the realm of volunteering; we had become friends. We laughed, shared stories, and exchanged contact information, promising to stay in touch and support each other's future endeavours. Through DJKL, I observed the unwavering dedication of the DJKL members. Before we say goodbye to each other, Nasrul, the young DJKL member took the opportunity to share his experiences, encapsulated the essence of DJKL's mission. He had dedicated himself to serving others since he was just 18 years old, and I could say, his commitment and passion were evident in his words.  Nasrul's commitment to serving others without expecting anything in return left a lasting impression on me. On that day, I witnessed the power of collective action and the importance of volunteers in making a difference. Nasrul's words echoed in my mind: "It is not us, the DJKL members nor homeless community who keep the DJKL operates until this day. It’s YOU, the volunteers! Without the volunteers' help, it is impossible for us to serve the food and make the project flow smoothly." These words served as a gentle reminder that each person has the capacity to create change and contribute to a more inclusive society.

Personally, I grew in ways I never anticipated. As an introvert, the thought of engaging with strangers made me apprehensive. However, the warmth and gratitude expressed by the homeless individuals we interacted with put me at ease. They initiated conversations, sharing stories of resilience and strength despite their circumstances. It was in these moments of connection that I discovered the power of listening and the value of human connection. Leaving DJKL that day, I carried with me a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to continue contributing to my community. The small acts of kindness, the conversations shared, and the relationships forged left an indelible mark on my heart. I realized that volunteering was not just about giving; it was a reciprocal exchange, enriching both the lives of those we serve and our own lives.

All in all, my experience with DJKL taught me the power of compassion and the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone. Never have I thought that I would become a friend or an ear to the strangers that I just met hours ago. I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by the homeless community and the impact that a warm meal and a listening ear can have on their lives. The phrase "compassion bridges gaps" summarizes my overall experience, as it encapsulates the essence of my experience at DJKL and serves as a reminder that empathy has the power to transcend barriers and bring us closer together as a society. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this incredible journey, and I carry its lessons with me as I continue to be a better version of me.