200 Foreigners Among 1,700 Beggars, Vagrants Held

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 21 (Bernama) -- Two hundred eighty-two foreigners were among 1,762 beggars and vagrants rounded up in 948 operations conducted by the authorities nationwide in the first 10 months of this year, the Senate was told Wednesday. Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Heng Seai Kie said the foreigners were handed over to the Immigration Department for deportation to their country of origin. On the other hand, she said local beggars and vagrants were sheltered at 'Desa Bina Diri' and 'Rumah Seri Kenangan' (for those aged 60 and above) where they were given rehabilitation and religious guidance. "They also attend vocational, agriculture and handicraft training besides taking part in recreational activities," she said when responding to a question from Senator Chin Su Phin. Heng said the beggars and vagrants were also provided with medical and healthcare treatment, and counselling while those, who have families, would be returned to their families before being considered welfare assistance. On a suggestion that a law be enacted to curb beggars, she said it was not necessary as it could be dealt with under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007. -- BERNAMA Malaysia