Johor Immigration Cracks Down on Pasar Malam Beggars, Some Earning Up to RM600 Daily

Source: SAYS

The Johor Immigration Department has arrested 18 foreign beggars at night markets in Johor Bahru after receiving multiple complaints from the public.

During two separate raids on 3 February, immigration officers detained individuals from China, Thailand, Cambodia, Syria, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, with some reportedly earning up to RM600 per day from begging.

18 Foreigners Arrested in Johor Night Market Raids

According to Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus, director of the Johor Immigration Department, the operations were carried out at Kampung Melayu Majidee and Taman Abad night markets in response to public concerns.

“A total of 18 foreigners, aged between 40 and 69, were detained during the two operations,” he stated.

Among those arrested were:

• Four Chinese men

• Four Thai men

• Three Cambodian men and one Cambodian woman

• Two Syrian men and two Syrian women

• One Bangladeshi man and one Pakistani man

Beggars Exploited Disabilities to Gain Sympathy

Preliminary investigations revealed that some of the foreign beggars strategically used their disabilities to gain sympathy and increase the amount of donations received.

Mohd Rusdi disclosed that each beggar could collect up to RM600 daily, highlighting how lucrative begging at night markets has become.

The detainees are currently being investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Immigration Regulations 1963. They have been sent to the Setia Tropika Immigration Depot for further action.

Public Concerns Over Organised Begging Syndicates

This incident has once again raised concerns over foreign beggars operating in Malaysia and whether they are part of larger syndicates exploiting the public’s generosity.

Authorities have urged the public not to give money to beggars and instead channel their donations through official welfare organisations to prevent misuse of funds.With enforcement actions ongoing, will this crackdown put an end to the growing issue of professional beggars in Malaysia’s night markets?