SUNGAI PETANI: A poverty-stricken couple from Kampung Huma in Tanjung Dawai here, whose plight went viral on social media two days ago, turned out to be junkies.
The two, a 33-year-old man and his 23-year-old wife, were picked up by the National Anti-Drugs Agency (Nada) this morning. They tested positive for methamphetamine use.
Nada officers, together with Tanjung Dawai assemblyman Datuk Tajul Urus Mat Zain had visited the couple and their one-year-old daughter.
The family had been seeking shelter at the guard house of an abandoned shrimp pond.
Also present were officers from the Kuala Muda Social Welfare Department, Kuala Muda Islamic Religious office and local community leaders.
Tajul said initial checks showed that the man's wife was released from a drug rehabilitation centre in Bachok, Kelantan about a month ago.
"The couple, who have a one-year-old daughter said they are married, but they failed to produce any proper documents to support the claim," he said.
Tajul added that the couple was taken to the Kuala Muda Islamic Religious office to verify their marriage status before being handed over to Nada for further action.
The Welfare Department would decide on the fate of the child.
Tajul, who is also the state Transport Committee chairman and Merbok Umno division chief said, checks also showed that the man had been receiving a RM300 monthly allowance for fishermen from the government.
Following the findings, Tajul advised members of the public to make an effort to check with local community leaders or relevant agencies before making such donation pleas on social media.
"While we appreciate the public's concern over needy families or individuals, it is highly advisable that they verify the status with the authorities or local community because we want to make sure the aid they receive is properly utilised instead of buying drugs," he said.
The couple's purported plight was highlighted in the Sungai Petani residents Facebook page by a netizen, who was concerned over the family's welfare as they were living in a small house without water and electricity supply.