KL ‘Beggars’ Rounded Up, Netizens Share Thoughts
It was reported that one of the beggars, a foreign national, had earned up to RM240 a day.
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Have you ever wondered how much a beggar earns in a day of begging?
According to an article by the Malaysian Gazette, they can earn as much as RM240 per day.
As reported, Ampang Jaya District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Mohamad Farouk Eshak said the woman who was arrested while begging at the bazaar, was found to have possessed a total of 240 RM1 notes with her.
The police who checked the woman found that she was residing in the country without having any valid travel documents. During the inspection, the police also found RM1 banknotes amounting to RM240.
Ampang Jaya District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Mohamad Farouk Eshak
Operation Anti Begging, which was carried out on 21 March, was part of the Department of Social Welfare’s(JKM) efforts to curb the rampant spread of begging activities in Malaysia’s capital city.
According to a Facebook post by JKM, Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Aiman Athirah Sabu was also present at the operation together with the Director General of Social Welfare (KPKM) Norazman Othman.
The Facebook post also pointed out that the officers apprehended a total of 16 involving six Malaysians and 10 foreigners under the Destitute Persons Act 1977.
On Saturday it was reported that the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Nancy Shukri said the review of the Act will begin in July and is expected to be completed in September this year.
Speaking to the press, she told The Borneo Post:
As for now, to have some sort of cooperation with the Ministry of Health, we have not reached that decision yet. We are conducting a study about the Act on whether to amend or improve it, as we need to have valid reasons and also to see from a holistic view, of whether it is required by the Ministry of Health or other ministry. We want to know the depth of the issue, so that we can improve the Act.
Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Nancy Shukri
Meanwhile a tweet by @isusemasaviral which went viral, shared a screenshot of the Malaysian Gazette article, to which netizens took to social media to share their thoughts on the begging issue.
While some joked about taking begging as a new career path, others shared their personal experiences with the beggars.
Twitter user @Lia_ar00 wrote:
One of them had her son come to me the second time by nudging with force(of a child) to ask for donations again (I’ve already donated money not even 10 minutes ago). It’s a bit ridiculous.
@Lia_ar00 via Twitter
Another Twitter user @aierraa_ said she would only give these beggars money if they are selling something.
I would never entertain those beggars who are in good condition that are fit for work. I would also never entertain those beggars who bring their kids along just because that’s their one of its tactics.
@aierraa_ said via Twitter
Additionally, in an effort to curb rampant begging activities, JKM called on the public not to give money to beggars and to ensure that the letters shown by individuals or organizations collecting donations are authorized.
They also urged the public to make a complaint to the nearest JKM or by calling Talian Kasih 15999 or Whatsapp 0192615999 if any begging activity is spotted.
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