Johor Pasar Malam Beggars Detained, Found Earning Up To RM600 Daily
The Johor Immigration Department conducted the raids following public complaints.
By May Vin Ang — 06 Feb 2025, 12:42 PM
The Johor Immigration Department arrested 18 foreigners caught begging at night markets in Johor Bahru on Monday, 3 February
In a statement yesterday, 5 February, Johor Immigration Department director Datuk Mohd Rusdi Mohd Darus said officers conducted the raids at the Kampung Melayu Majidee and Taman Abad night markets following public complaints.
"A total of 18 foreigners, aged between 40 and 69, were detained during the two operations," he said.
Among those arrested were four Chinese men, four Thai men, three Cambodian men, one Cambodian woman, two Syrian men, two Syrian women, a Bangladeshi man, and a Pakistani man.
Preliminary investigations revealed that each beggar could collect up to RM600 in donations daily
Mohd Rusdi said some of the beggars deliberately used their physical disabilities to gain sympathy and more handouts from the public.
The detainees are now being investigated under the Immigration Act 1959/63 and Immigration Regulations 1963.
They have been taken to the Setia Tropika Immigration Depot for further action.
