Cops: Buying books from child beggars only enriches rings

PETALING JAYA: Those who buy religious books from and give donations to child beggars are only feeding the syndicates that exploit the children.

Analysis of the child begging cases handled by police show that most of the children are being used by syndicates, not because of their own poverty.

Bukit Aman D7C Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants Division principal assistant director Asst Comm Maszely Minhad said this was the result of its surveillance of street beggars, especially in places like Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur.

The division carried out a special operation against street beggars during Ramadan recently, he said.

“From those cases, we rescued children, mainly from Myanmar, who were indeed being used by syndicates.

“They are made to seek alms or sell flowers and yassin books.

“These syndicates are riding on public sympathy and raking in profits,” he told The Star.

ACP Maszely said these children were often watched by “minders” who kept out of sight while the youngsters begged.

Police kept an eye on the beggar gangs from morning to evening during the Ramadan operation, he added.

“We would see who collected them, what transport they used and where they would be taken to.”

ACP Maszely said the suspects were later arrested at their residences in Ampang where police found more victims.

He said those caught exploiting children could be charged under Section 14 of the AntiTrafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, and face up to 20 years’ jail and a fine of up to RM1mil if convicted.

According to the Immigration Department, there were 406 children held in its depots around the country as at July 7.

When foreign children are rescued, ACP Maszely said police would apply for an Interim Protection Order lasting 21 days, after which a long-term order would be requested to validate its protection of the minors in shelters until the completion of the cases.

The children would then be referred to either the UN High Commissioner for Refugees or the Immigration Department for further action, he added.