VERIFY BEFORE GIVING AID

A LOCAL resident has expressed concern over the story shared by Netizens on social media of a one-legged beggar, who lives in the streets in Kuantan.

RAHMAN wanted to verify with Actionline whether the public should help such individuals and whether the Welfare Department was providing assistance to the homeless people.

“After the story went viral, people have been trying to locate the beggar to help him.

“Later, it was reported that the man was already receiving an allowance from the Welfare Department. How do we know whether a beggar or a homeless person really needs our help?” said RAHMAN.

ACTIONLINE:

The Welfare Department advises the public to contact the department before providing aid to homeless people or sharing their stories on social media.

District welfare officer Salihah Kamarudin said she was aware of cases involving individuals donating to homeless people and beggars who were receiving stipends from the department.

She said the public should first obtain the alleged homeless persons’ details, including their identity card number, before contacting the Welfare Department.

“Sometimes, the (homeless) persons receive assistance from the department and are listed in our records. We can dig up their details, including their last-known address and family members.

“The Welfare Department conducts an annual audit on people who receive the allowance.

“If and when we fail to locate a person at his last-known address, the allowance will be stopped.

“In such cases, the person has to reapply (for the allowance) before the department can look into the case.”

She said some people received assistance from the department, but chose to live in the streets.

Those with information on such cases can contact the district Welfare Department at 09-5724220.