Arab “Beggars” in Malaysia?

Checking into hotels and shopping in the city's high streets, but otherwise begging for money? That's what some beggars claiming to be Syrian or Palestinian Arabs have been doing in Kuala Lumpur.

In a bid to appeal to the sympathies of the public, a number of "street beggars" who appear to be from the Middle East are increasingly seen lining the streets of some of Kuala Lumpur's tourist hotspots like Jalan Imbi and Bukit Bintang, asking for donations.

Based on a survey conducted around the capital, including locations at Jalan Imbi, Bukit Bintang, Jalan Hang Tuah, Masjid India, Pasar Seni and Jalan Petaling, it was found that the group was not controlled by any syndicate. When not out begging, these masters of disguise would pose as tourists, staying at nice hotels and eating at fast food restaurants with their families. The survey also found that the beggars would usually leave their hotels at around 4pm local time and return at about 2am in the morning. They have also been seen moving from one place to another, targeting locations like restaurants, crowded areas, and nightclubs.

Source: https://en.wiktionary.org

Beggars from the Middle East were believed to have entered the country as tourists before engaging in begging activities. Kuala Lumpur Social Welfare Department director said that the agency observed that most of these beggars first entered the country as tourists.

A total of 560 beggars were detained from January to August, with 380 foreigners and 180 locals. The total is higher than 234 beggars in 2022, with 98 non-citizens and 136 local beggars.

He said that joint operations would continue to be carried out by the Social Welfare Department together with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall, the Royal Malaysia Police and the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department to curb such activities.

Advocacy campaigns such as "Give Wisely, Avoid Deception" are being conducted to raise awareness among the public not to be deceived by beggars.  The possibilities are there for more to turn-up on our shores with the war in the Middle-East. How do we differentiate a genuine tourist and those who are “tourist-beggars”?  It is not only from the Middle-East, we also have visitors from other countries like China doing the same. One way is to work closely with hotels where they usually stay and report if they are found on the streets of KL begging.

Reference:

Arab ‘beggars’ in Malaysia caught staying in hotels and eating at restaurants, https://www.todayonline.com, 27 September 2023