KUALA LUMPUR – A physically disabled individual reportedly rakes in up to RM500 a day by begging for four to five hours at night markets in Pahang.
Even more astonishing is the claim that the same man owns a Proton X70 Premium car, purportedly funded by public donations.
The revelation unfolded when enforcement officers from the Social Welfare Department seized the disabled man’s identity card from his car during an operation targeting begging activities conducted by the department’s Maran division in Pahang.
The Maran Social Welfare Department detailed the incident in a Facebook post, saying: “Welfare Department enforcement officers trailed the man to his car. Surprisingly, an individual garnering public sympathy for his physical disability (both hands abnormal) was found to drive a Proton X70 Premium.”
The man admitted to owning the vehicle and disclosed that the proceeds from his begging activities amounted to RM500 within a four- to five-hour period at the night market, as per the department’s Facebook post.
Clad in a jubah and skullcap, the man was often spotted standing among night market umbrellas, holding a paper bag to elicit sympathy from passers-by.
When questioned about his motives, he initially remained silent but eventually acknowledged the inquiry under pressure.
“The Welfare Department enforcers repeatedly requested his identification card for operational documentation purposes, but the man initially remained unresponsive. After persistent questioning, he spoke up,” revealed the department.
Despite living in Balok, Kuantan, and receiving RM450 monthly from the Welfare Department as Disabled Workers’ Allowance since 2001, the investigation uncovered the man’s night market begging routine in the district.
The department decided to issue a warning and obtained a written commitment from the man, as it was reportedly his first offence in the district.
“The man was also asked to sign a letter promising not to beg, as stipulated in the Standing Order of Operations,” the department said. – February 22, 2024