3,040 beggars rescued

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 3,040 beggars have been rescued by the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) in 1,805 operations nationwide until November 2017.
Women, Family and Community Development Deputy Minister Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun said 455 were foreigners while 2,585 were locals.
He said the operation led by the JKM was a concerted action with other government agencies such as the Royal Malaysian Police and the National Registration Department.
According to him, the rescued beggars would then be screened for further action.
Azizah said under the operation, rescued foreigners would be handed over to the Immigration Department of Malaysia for follow-up action while local citizens under 60 years old without next-of-kin would be taken to Desa Bina Diri.
"Those over 60 years old will be sent to Rumah Seri Kenangan," he said in a question-and-answer session at Dewan Rakyat today.
He was replying to a question from Datuk Koh Nai Kwong (BN-Alor Gajah) who wanted to know how to reduce the begging activities as the JKM gave financial aid (to the needy). — Bernama