Donate through proper channels, urges JKM

PETALING JAYA: Use official channels to make donations or contributions to those in need, says the Social Welfare Department.

It said this could include contributions towards welfare homes, registered welfare groups, houses of worship, and the National Welfare Foundation, adding that the department was also carrying out awareness and prevention campaigns to educate the public on not giving alms or contributions to beggars.

“We hope these efforts will curb begging and prevent such activities from spreading,” it told The Star in a recent statement.

It said stern warnings would be given to any welfare aid recipients who were found begging.

“Action can also be taken against these individuals under the Destitute Persons Act 1977 (Act 183). They can also be charged by the police under the Minor Offences Act 1955 and the House to House and Street Collections Act 1947,” it added.

When asked how many individuals had their welfare aid terminated throughout 2022 and 2023 after being found begging, the department said they did not keep records on the matter.

The department was responding to questions by The Star about a recent incident where a man in Maran, Pahang, was reported to have been able to collect RM500 within five hours of begging at a night market.

The man’s earnings from begging and his salary as a bus company shift supervisor enabled him to purchase a Proton X70 Premium.

He also received welfare assistance for his hand disability, but following this revelation, the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry revoked further disability allowance for the individual.

Recent checks by The Star also found several beggars in Pasar Seni, Kuala Lumpur.

According to several vendors, beggars tend to avoid crowded areas like Petaling Street and instead opt for quieter spots like roadsides or bus stations.

In February, Starmetro reported that beggars and homeless people were becoming an increasingly common sight in Kuala Lumpur.

Activists also voiced out that the public should give beggars in kind and not cash to prevent the money from being misused.