KOTA BARU: Authorities detained nine beggars for soliciting and collecting donations from the public during a special operation here today.
Kelantan Welfare Department enforcement division senior assistant director Mohamad Md Nor said the operations which began at 9.30am, involved 32 enforcement officers from five agencies.
Besides the welfare department, the other agencies are the immigration department, State Islamic Affairs and Religious Department (JAHEAIK), the police, and the Kota Baru Municipal Council.
He said the operations covered several spots such as the famous Siti Khadijah wet market, Taman Hijau, banks and Dataran Muhammadi.
"In the operation, we detained nine people," he said, adding that they were mostly local women above 60.
"They have been collecting donations from one place to another during this fasting month.
"A majority of them have already received financial aid from the welfare department," he told reporters after leading the operation here today.
Mohamad said the operation was the second held during this fasting month. The first was last week where they detained 13 beggars.
He believes more beggars would enter the state capital in the coming days, as Hari Raya Aidilfitri is around the corner.
"We will continue to carry out similar operations from time to time to nab the beggars, as we expect more will come to Kota Baru to seek donations," he added.