KUALA LUMPUR: The Immigration Department has busted a begging syndicate allegedly masterminded by foreign nationals exploiting Malaysians with disabilities to solicit donations from the public.
Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said five Indonesian women, aged between 29 and 56, were arrested during an operation conducted around Jalan Dang Wangi and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman at about 10pm on Friday (July 10).
He said officers inspected 10 individuals comprising five Malaysians and five foreigners before detaining the Indonesian women for various immigration offences.
“Initial investigations found that the syndicate was led by Indonesian nationals who manipulated visually impaired Malaysians to gain public sympathy and collect donations.
“The foreign nationals would escort the disabled individuals to busy public areas, particularly eateries at night, while pretending to be husband and wife to avoid arousing suspicion.
“Members of the public who donated money would be given tissues in return to create the impression that a legitimate sales activity was taking place,” he said in a statement on Saturday (July 11).
Zakaria said the syndicate is believed to earn between RM100 and RM200 a night and had been operating since early January this year.
He added that preliminary checks found two of the suspects had misused their immigration passes, namely a Temporary Employment Visit Pass for the domestic helper sector and a Social Visit Pass.
Another suspect had overstayed, while the remaining two did not possess valid travel documents or passes to remain in Malaysia.
The department also seized three Indonesian passports, items used in the activity and RM159 in cash believed to be proceeds from the begging operation.
The suspects are being investigated under Section 15(1)(c) and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, as well as Regulation 39(b) of the Immigration Regulations 1963.
Zakaria said the department would continue taking firm action against those who violate the country’s immigration laws to safeguard public order and national security.
