Cops arrest five for begging in JB and Pasir Gudang

JOHOR BARU: Police here have arrested five illegal immigrants for begging in the city centre and in Pasir Gudang.

Johor police chief Comm Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat said the suspects consist of three men and two women aged between 29 and 65.

“We have received six police reports regarding begging activities involving illegal immigrants between March 31 and April 5 (Wednesday), and we have managed to arrest five individuals,” he said in a statement here.

The beggars were arrested at the Ramadan bazaar and near traffic lights in the city, he added.

The case is being investigated under Section 27(c) of the Minor Offences Act 1955 for begging, which carries a fine of up to RM100 or imprisonment.

It is also investigated under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63 for entering the country and staying without valid travel documents, which carries a maximum fine of RM10,000 or imprisonment of not more than five years, or both.

“We will not compromise on any begging that can tarnish the image of the city and pose a risk to the safety of the road users in the state.

“Those with information on any begging activities can call the PDRM Hotline number at 07-2254074 or go to the nearest police station,” he said.