KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 ― The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry plans to amend the Destitute Persons Act 1977 to introduce the element of enforcement to curb begging activities.

Its minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim said the existing law only provided for protection and rehabilitation of beggars.

“The government also wants to get rid of syndicates believed to be behind the begging activities,” she said after taking part in an integrated operation to rescue beggars in the Bukit Bintang area, here, tonight.

Rohani said among the penalties proposed were imprisonment, compound fine and community service for those who exploited others to engage in begging or who made begging their choice of work. ― Bernama