LETTERS: On a recent visit to Penang Island, I noticed that there are many homeless people and vagrants at Chow Rasta Market, Prangin Mall, Komtar bridge and the bus terminal.
Many are elderly and squat on benches and pavements. Some beg.
Others sleep on cardboard boxes with their rations in tow. Many are dirty.
Penang is a popular tourist destination. The presence of homeless people, vagrants and beggars does not give Penang a good name.
My friends say some vagrants have been in the same spot for years. They have become like tourist icons.
Hopefully, the Penang government can send the homeless, vagrants and beggars to welfare homes.
The Women, Family, and Community Development Ministry should check the spots where beggars and vagrants loiter.
The presence of vagrants in Penang tarnishes the glow and shine of the Pearl of the Orient.
SAMUEL YESUIAH
Seremban, Negri Sembilan
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times