When an SUV is merely the beggar’s choice

SOCIAL media has been abuzz with the tale of the well-heeled beggar who owns a premium sports utility vehicle (SUV).

The Welfare Department in Pahang spotted a beggar with a visible disability standing between some stalls at the Sri Jaya night market in Maran, Pahang, holding a sign seeking charity from the people, Harian Metro reported.

Welfare Department officers approached the man, who was dressed in a white jubah and kopiah.

“Both of his hands appeared smaller than normal. One of us approached him and asked why he was begging, but he refused to say anything,” one officer was quoted as saying.

Initially, the man also appeared to have difficulty hearing and speaking when the officer requested his personal identification to record his activities.

The man said he could hear and talk fine, but has physical disabilities. He then led the officers to his car to get his identification details – and his car turned out to be a Proton X70, which starts at around RM100,000.

After further questions, the man revealed that he manages to raise up to RM500 daily by begging between four and six hours at the night market.

It was also revealed that he lives in Balok, Kuantan, and receives a RM450 monthly allowance due to his disability.

The officers issued a warning to him.