KOTA BARU: Several locations in the town area here have become popular spots for foreign women including those with small children, to seek donations from the public.
The beggars, who are mostly from a neighbouring country, have chosen wet markets, shopping complexes and even outside banks as their place to beg money from locals.
Following this, many locals have urged the relevant authorities to take stern action against these beggars.
Housewife Haminah Ismail said she had spotted a few women sitting outside a bank along Jalan Kuala Krai here.
"While sitting there, the beggars who l believe are foreigners, will offer various types of junk foods and traditional dry cookies to those passing by.
"They will be there from the morning until night. They knew how to gain sympathy from the public as some of them will bring a child to accompany them.
"I hope the local authorities will investigate whether they have valid documents," said the 55-year-old from Bunut Payong.
Trader Abdullah Hussin said he suspected some of these beggars were being used by a syndicate to collect money from the public.
"They will normally focus on public places as they realise there are many people there and it's easy for them to get money," said the 60-year-old from Lorong Che Majid.
It is learnt that the authorities have been conducting many operations to nab the beggars.
However, most of the operations failed as many of them managed to escape.