SANDAKAN: Seven individuals were detained during an integrated operation targeting beggars and mentally unsound individuals in the Bandar Sandakan area on Thursday.
The operation was carried out as part of coordinated efforts to curb and reduce the growing problem of beggars and mentally unsound persons in public areas.
The joint operation involved numerous agencies, including the Sandakan Municipal Council, police, the Social Welfare Department, hospital authorities and the Civil Defence Force.
Of the seven individuals, four were identified as Malaysian, while three were foreigners.
All those detained were found begging or wandering in an unkempt condition at several strategic locations around Bandar Sandakan, raising public safety concerns.
The operation also aims to ensure that individuals requiring welfare assistance and medical treatment receive appropriate attention.
The Sandakan Municipal Council said such operations will continue to be carried out periodically to ensure the wellbeing, safety and harmony of the local community.
