Kota Kinabalu: The Parti Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-led (PGRS) State Government decided to once and for all deal with the growing Pelauh (sea gypsies) community’s street begging activities, particularly their children.
In the first such action taken by any State Government, 31 individuals comprising children and adults were rounded up in an integrated operation in the State Capital.
The 31 comprised 10 women, three adult men and 18 children who were rescued and sent to a Temporary Protection Centre (PPS). There had been increasing concern over their growing numbers and the threat they posed to themselves and motorists when begging.
