A shocking revelation has come to light as a group of foreign beggars with disabilities were found begging and earning up to RM10,000 monthly.
Exploiting their status as Orang Kurang Upaya (OKU), four beggars, all Chinese nationals, were arrested in separate raids around Johor Bahru.
The syndicate behind these individuals is believed to have operated strategically, taking advantage of public generosity to rake in significant earnings.
According to a press statement shared by the Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia Negeri Johor on their Facebook page, the arrests were made during two separate operations, known as Ops Serkap, which took place on 23rd and 24th September 2024.
The operations were carried out after a three-week investigation that involved intelligence gathering and public complaints about foreign nationals using their physical disabilities to engage in organised begging activities.
Well-Organised Syndicate
According to the statement, it is believed that this was not a random act of desperation, but rather a well-organised syndicate.
These foreign beggars were regularly moving from location to location, specifically targeting night markets and other high-traffic areas to maximise their earnings.
The Johor State Immigration Department suspects that these activities were orchestrated by a larger network, with the beggars being directed on where and how to operate.
In a particularly dramatic moment during the operation, some of the suspects attempted to flee by boarding a bus heading to Ipoh.
Despite their attempts to escape, immigration officers managed to apprehend them and seized over RM9,000 in cash – believed to be proceeds from their begging.
Exploiting Disabilities for Profit
What makes this case even more disheartening is the way these individuals exploited their disabilities to evoke sympathy from the public.
With missing limbs and other physical impairments, the beggars were able to earn a substantial monthly income.
The press statement noted that their aggressive approach, often directly confronting passersby in crowded areas, played a key role in their success.
The individuals arrested are all male, aged between 36 and 67, and are Chinese nationals.
They were found to have committed immigration offences under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, for not holding valid permits to be in Malaysia, and Section 15(1)(c) for overstaying.
Immigration Department Calls for Public Cooperation
The Johor State Immigration Department expressed its serious concern over the presence of foreign beggars and their syndicates.
They have reiterated their commitment to combating the presence of Pendatang Asing Tanpa Izin (PATI) and illegal activities within the state.
The department urged the public to report any suspicious activities or the presence of illegal foreign workers.
While the generosity of Malaysians is commendable, this case serves as a reminder to remain cautious about where and how we offer help.
The exploitation of disabilities for profit is a troubling trend, and only with public cooperation can such syndicates be properly dismantled.
The Immigration Department continues to call on anyone with information regarding illegal activities to come forward and assist in their ongoing efforts to maintain law and order.
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