KLANG: The generosity and lack of hesitation by Malaysians in parting with their money when approached by foreign beggars is a contributing factor as to why begging activities are thriving and nowhere close to being wiped out.
Selangor Welfare Department deputy director Junaidi Ayob said this has 'encouraged' more foreign beggars, many of whom are Rohingya who are UNHCR card holders, to solicit money in various parts of the city.
More locals have also taken to the streets to beg despite being put in rehabilitation centres after being nabbed in the hopes they would turn over a new leaf.
But they would return to their old habits as it is seen as a 'profession' that yields easy money in a short span of time.
Statistics in the past three years have shown an increase in the number of beggars, Junaidi added.
In 2013, the state Welfare Department rounded up 113 foreign beggars and the numbers shot up to 252 in 2014.
In 2015, the numbers stood at 338.
For locals, 2013 saw a total of 158 local beggars nabbed and the numbers spiked to 214 but dropped to 183 last year.
"The kindness of Malaysians are being taken advantage of by these beggars, regardless of whether they are locals or foreigners. These beggars are able to get about RM300 to RM1,000 a day.
"This has created a social ill where they have made the country a place for them get money.
"There would be more when Ramadan comes where Muslims feel they would be rewarded through the practice of giving," he said, adding that the majority of beggars are women who would move around with their children as young as three to four years old.
Junaidi was speaking at the launch of the Klang district level 'Bijak Membantu, Elak Tertipu' campaign held at Dataran Klang today.
He also called on Malaysian to avoid digging into their pockets easily when approached by beggars in an effort to lower the numbers and go directly to the source to channel their donations.
Klang Utara police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Yusoff Mamat, who was also present, said from Jan up to Fri, a total of 27 have been arrested in the district.
He said 20 were foreigners; one was a 12-year-old child while the others were locals.
"We give our commitment and cooperation to work closely with other government agencies to combat these activities fast. We warn syndicates that we would not compromise as those involved can be arrested without the need of warrants and charged under various law provisions," he said.