KOTA BARU: The Kelantan Welfare Department will increase its operation against foreign beggars in conjunction with the coming fasting month.
Its director Hanapi Maulud said the operation which is expected to start soon, will be carried out with the help of officers from the Immigration Department.
"The department expect many foreign beggars, especially those from Thailand, to cross over to Kelantan a few days before Ramadan.
"Our operation will be focusing on the areas where these beggars normally ask for donation especially around mosques and public places," he said.
Hanapi said it was normal for Thai beggars as well as those from other countries to beg for donation in Kelantan during the fasting month.
It is learnt that apart from the Thais, there were also beggars from countries like Myanmar and Cambodia.
A majority of these foreigners enter Kelantan without valid travel documents.