A recent operation conducted by the Social Welfare Department to tackle begging activities in the Sri Jaya night market, Maran, Pahang, led to the exposure of a man who had been sustaining himself through begging but owned a sports utility vehicle (SUV).
According to NST, during the operation, officials from the agency observed a local man clad in a robe and wearing a taqiyah, traversing the night market and soliciting donations from passersby. His appearance, coupled with his small hands, initially led officials to believe he might be in need of genuine assistance due to a physical disability.
Despite attempts by enforcement officers to communicate with the man and ascertain the purpose behind his begging, he remained unresponsive. It was noted that he seemed to be deaf and mute, adding to the assumption of his vulnerability.
Upon closer inspection, officials discovered a substantial amount of banknotes in his possession, suspected to be the proceeds of donations received from sympathetic individuals. Despite persistent requests for identification, the man remained silent.
However, when pressed further, the man revealed that he was not deaf or mute but rather physically disabled (OKU), with abnormal hands. He disclosed that his identification card was kept in his vehicle.
Accompanied by welfare department officers, the man was led to his car, where it was revealed that he was the owner of a premium Proton X70 SUV. Further investigation uncovered that he resided in Balok, Kuantan, and frequented night markets for begging purposes.
It was also discovered that he had been receiving an OKU worker allowance from the welfare department since 2001, amounting to RM450 per month. The man admitted to earning around RM500 through begging for four to six hours at the night market.
Following questioning by enforcement officers, the man was cautioned and subsequently released. The incident highlights the complexities surrounding begging activities and the need for vigilant enforcement to address instances of potential exploitation or misuse of sympathy.
