KUALA LUMPUR - A 78 year old Japanese man was found homeless in Malaysia and taken into protective care by a local non-governmental organisation (NGO).

According to the NGO, the man was discovered on January 4 in Jalan Yew, Pudu, Kuala Lumpur, by its volunteers.

He was subsequently accommodated at a shelter operated by the organisation. 

The man had sustained an injury to his left little toe and received medical assistance.

He was also told by the NGO that he had been living in Malaysia for more than 15 years and had been homeless for the past three years.

Cases involving foreign nationals experiencing homelessness are not uncommon in Malaysia.

However, most involve migrant workers from neighbouring countries, and instances in which nationals from developed economies such as Japan become homeless are considered rare.

The NGO said it plans to continue providing support while coordinating with the Japanese Embassy.