They may be beggars, but don’t let their appearances fool you: some beggars earn up to RM1,000 daily.
Penang Social Welfare Director Said Sidup told Bernama in a report that the shocking number was obtained from beggars who were picked up by the authorities during crackdowns.
“It is because of the generosity of Malaysians that gives opportunity for beggars to thrive on their kindness,” Said was quoted as saying.
Said also advised Malaysians to be cautious when giving out money to beggars as some of them are run by syndicates, adding that those who would like to help the less fortunate should give their donations to registered bodies.
According to Said, around 150 operations have been conducted by the State Social Welfare Department since January and May this year to clean up the streets, during which 201 beggars were rounded up.
“A total of 142 of them are locals, while the remaining are foreigners,” he was quoted as saying.
