KOTA KINABALU: Certain individuals or groups are suspected of sheltering and mobilising undocumented beggars throughout the city, says Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) Rural Development Sector deputy director Rahim Karim
"While we have yet to confirm their identities or whether they are locals, our sources indicate that these individuals are protecting them," Rahim said at the launch of the Program Bijak Membantu Elak Tertipu 2025 at the State Mosque in Sembulan on Friday (Mar 14).
He said that the beggars consist mainly of children, women and older adults, and when enforcement personnel try to approach them, many flee, some even scaling fences to escape.
Checks have also found young children carrying infants while begging, raising concerns about their welfare.
Despite their increasing presence, local authorities face legal challenges when taking action.
"DBKK does not have jurisdiction under existing by-laws to act against them. The most we can do is remove them from public spaces and prevent them from knocking on car windows or begging at intersections and parking lots," Rahim explained.
To tackle the problem, DBKK collaborated with the police, the Social Welfare Department and other agencies to establish a task force.
A recent viral incident involving a child beggar with a knife intensified public anxiety and increased concerns surrounding possible criminal behaviour.
In a speech delivered by Rahim, Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah said that through the Program Bijak Membantu Elak Tertipu 2025, the public was urged to donate through official channels instead.
Sabah Welfare Services Department director Jais Asri, Sabah Islamic Religious Affairs director Datuk Jumain Jikah and Kota Kinabalu Police Headquarters Integrity and Standard Compliance Division head Asst Supt Khairu Amra Haron were among those who attended the event.
Meanwhile, Jais encouraged the public to question beggars instead of avoiding them.
"Making them uncomfortable by asking questions may discourage them from returning to the same spot," he said.
