BENTONG: Four foreigners were arrested for panhandling and causing public nuisance at popular hilltop resort Genting Highlands near here on May 7.
Police were alerted about the incident after a 23-second video of the female suspects going around causing disturbance and begging for money went viral on Facebook on Sunday.
Bentong police chief Superintendent Zaiham Mohd Kahar said the suspects aged between 30 and 34 years old were believed to have been carrying out the activities since May 5.
"They were arrested hours after their activities went viral on social media and taken to the Genting Highlands police station for further investigations. Checks revealed the suspects have been going around demanding money from the public around Genting Highlands and their activities had been a nuisance.
"The suspects would approach members of the public before trying to coax and beg for money. Their targets were those at the hotel and nearby areas," he said in a statement.
Zaiham said the suspects are investigated under Section 27 (c) of the Minor Offences Act 1955 for begging in a public place when the individual is capable of earning a living, and can be fined up to RM100 or be imprisoned up to a month, or both.
He advised the public not to speculate on the matter as the case was still under investigation.