70pc begging activities are scams
KUANTAN: Some 70 per cent of begging activities here are scams as some groups take advantage of the hardship faced by others for another party to earn quick profit.
Pahang Welfare Department director Zulkhairi Zainol Abidin said beggars were divided into two categories — those in difficulty and those involved in begging scams with a mastermind behind it.
“Based on our officers’ observations, there are plans executed by certain parties, but we do not have strong proof and seek assistance from the police to carry out investigations under the Penal Code against those committing fraud.
“The Welfare Department does not have the authority to investigate as our job involves helping beggars return to normal life after receiving training at the Desa Bina Diri centre in Jerantut.”
He said deploying children to sell goods through begging was against the law and could be investigated under the Child Act 2016 or the AntiTrafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007.
“This is because it uses children for commercial reasons (to gain profit),” he said.