13 HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS, INCLUDING SIX FOREIGNERS, RESCUED IN ANTI-BEGGING OPERATION IN KOTA BHARU

KOTA BHARU, March 10 (Bernama) --  A total of 13 homeless individuals, including six foreigners aged between 30 and 75,  were rescued during an Integrated Operation to combat begging activities in several locations around Kota Bharu today.

Kelantan Social Welfare Department (JKM) director Che Samsuzuki Che Noh said the operation, which began at 10 am, involved 14 JKM officers, 10 members of the Kota Bharu-Bandar Raya Islam Municipal Council (MPKB-BRI), five immigration officers and four policemen. 

He said the operation targeted several identified areas, including banks, markets and mosques, to curb begging activities involving both locals and foreigners in public places, particularly during Ramadan and in the lead-up to Aidilfitri.

“All the individuals detained are believed to have been begging in public areas and causing discomfort among members of the community.

“Action was taken under the  Destitute Persons Act 1977 for begging, loitering and causing disturbance in public areas,” he told reporters here today.

According to Che Samsuzuki, the six foreign nationals detained during the operation have been handed over to the Immigration Department for further action.

He added that JKM will conduct further investigations into all the individuals involved before taking subsequent action in accordance with existing legal provisions.

Che Samsuzuki also noted that the department has observed a decline in the number of foreign beggars this year compared to previous years,  which he attributed to the closure of illegal jetties.

-- BERNAMA