KOTA KINABALU: City Hall (DBKK) is ramping up efforts to curb begging, particularly among sea gypsies (palauhs), to uphold Sabah’s image and public order, said its Deputy Director Karim Rahim.
Authorities face challenges in handling undocumented individuals as they fall outside DBKK’s jurisdiction.
Enforcement officers have observed beggars emerging from Kota Kinabalu Central Market and gathering at the State Mosque on Fridays, with some evading arrest.
Sabah Social Welfare Department (SSWD) Director Jais Asri also urged the public to discourage begging by engaging in conversation instead of giving money.
The remarks were made during an anti-begging awareness campaign at the State Mosque on Friday.