19 hours ago
Public warned against foreign beggars using deceptive tactics
Published on: Friday, June 27, 2025
Published on: Fri, Jun 27, 2025
By: Ahmad Apong Text Size: A beggar asking for alms. BEAUFORT: The public here are advised against entertaining beggars who approach for alms following reports of foreign nationals using deceptive tactics to solicit money. District Council Executive Officer Mohd Ainol Mohd Dun said these beggars employ various methods when asking for donations, remaining silent and only using papers written in Chinese characters. 'Clearly they are not Malaysian Chinese beggars but rather from foreign countries who may be looking to supplement their income,' he said. The warning came after a complaint from a local man who was dining at a coffee shop here on Friday. The complainant contacted authorities after encountering a beggar who went from table to table asking for alms without speaking, only using Chinese-written notes. 'It is quite rare for local Chinese to beg for alms in this State,' Mohd Ainol said, adding that he strongly discourages the public from giving donations to these fake beggars. He said begging is uncommon in the district, with neither local Malays nor Chinese engaging in such activities, suggesting these are likely Chinese nationals who have overstayed in the country. He said he had directed enforcement officers to track down the beggar, but the individual had disappeared and likely been picked up by a vehicle. If caught, the district council will hand them over to the Social Welfare Department and Immigration Department for further action. Several months ago, similar incidents occurred involving male and female beggars who appeared healthy and used flutes and saxophones while soliciting donations. These beggars operated even at the public market but fled when their activities were exposed. Following these incidents, Immigration officers contacted Daily Express and requested to be notified if Chinese beggars deliberately seeking alms are encountered in the area. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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