PEOPLE tend to be more willing to part with their money when a religious figure asks for donations.
However, Penang appears to have a high number of "monks" soliciting donations, especially in areas where large numbers of people tend to gather or visit.
This brings us to the question, are those asking for donations on Penang streets really monks?
VERDICT:
FALSE
In a statement, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) warned the public that most "monks" seen on the streets are fakes who operate for syndicates, essentially to steal money from the public.
MBPP public health standing committee alternate chairman Tan Soo Siang said MBPP found that there are fake monk syndicates operating in several areas, especially markets and food complexes.
"These fake monks frequent 12 areas, including the Lebuh Cecil hawker site, Jelutong Market, Batu Lanchang market and food complex, Bayan Baru market and food complex, Ayer Itam market and Padang Tembak market and food complex.
"In addition, they are also found at Medan Angsana complex, Jalan Chowrasta market, Pulau Tikus market, Lebuh Pitt complex, Lorong Stewart complex and Lorong Baru hawker site," she said in a statement on Thursday (June 20).
To tackle the issue, Tan said MBPP had implemented several preventive measures, including joint operations with law enforcement agencies such as the police and the Immigration Department.
She also advised the public to only give food to monks if approached for assistance.
