WITH Ramadan just around the corner, the State Welfare Deparment (JKM) is anticipating a three-fold increase in the number of beggars.
The beggars are expected to take advantage of the Muslim belief in giving to charity during the month of fasting.
State JKM officer Manayi Ibrahim said the department's standard operating procedure was the visit the areas known as the beggars' "working place" once a week.
Manayi also said the department would act immediately upon receiving complaints concerning beggars as they were an eyesore.
"Recently, we rounded up 15 beggars from Pasir Gudang, Gelang Patah, Johor Jaya and Stulang Laut, especially near the food courts and restaurants.
"Those detained were Chinese, Indian, Myanmar and Malay aged between 26 and 73," he said.
These beggars, he said, earned up to RM70 per day and could afford to live in the city on the money.
He said the beggars that usually hung around the shopping malls in the heart of the city were usually aged 50 and above, while the younger ones would be seen begging for money at the pasar malam, mosques and selected food courts and restaurants.
He also said there were more foreign beggars, most of which were illegal immigrants.
"The number of locals begging on the streets is dwindling," he said.
"When questioned, some of the beggars say they have no place to live and are unable to find employment.
"Recently, we nabbed a 42-year-old woman who said she earned up to RM80 per day, which she used to pay for hotel room rent and food.
"This coming Ramadan, we expect the number of beggars in the city to triple. Therefore, we will beef up enforcement and carry out more checks in the hotspots," he said.
All cases of beggars who are detained, whether local or foreigner, are reported to the police and state Immigration Department. The detainees are temporarily housed at Rumah Sri Kenangan in Ungku Mohsin, here, while the relevant authorities conduct a month-long probe on their status.
For local beggars, a court order will be obtained for them to continue lodging at Rumah Seri Kenangan Mersing (for beggars aged 60 and above) and Desa Bina Diri Mersing or Desa Bina Diri Jerantut, Pahang (aged below 60).
The court order is issued under the Destitute Persons Act 1977.