KUALA LUMPUR – A beggar who owns a Proton X70 will no longer receive a RM450 allowance from the Social Welfare Department from this month onwards, according to Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad.
She told the Dewan Rakyat that the department has looked into the individual after he went viral for owning an SUV despite begging on the streets.
“He had been getting a RM450 monthly allowance given to persons with disabilities. We had issued warnings, and had him sign a pledge to stop begging.
“The department also found that the man has been working as a supervisor in a bus company that pays him RM2,000 monthly,” she said in response to a supplementary question by Mohd Sany Hamzan (Hulu Langat-PH).
Previously, Scoop reported that a physically disabled individual rakes in up to RM500 a day by begging for four to five hours at night markets in Pahang.
Meanwhile, Noraini said the Destitute Persons Act 1977 does not punish those who exploit their disabilities for profit.
She added that the 21-month long study into the legislation will be completed by mid year and the findings tabled to the ministry by year end.
“The aim is to provide recommendations to the government on the provisions, approach and scope of the law as well as an action plan to address homelessness, begging and urban poverty.” – March 12, 2024