Ministry to study views on measures to eradicate vagrancy

0

Idris shakes hands with UIAM student Abu Bakar Mokhtar who will participapte in the World Islamic Economic Forum Social Entrepreneurship Challenge 2014 as Azizah looks on. — Bernama photo

KUALA LUMPUR: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry will scrutinise views from all quarters on ways to address the problem of homeless people and beggars in the capital.

Its deputy minister, Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun said the measures involved would not entail punishing vagrants or alms givers.

“We have to listen to views expressed by various quarters before brainstorming them to find the right solution.

“We will also learn from other countries experience and the merits and demerits of measures taken by them in eradicating vagrancy,” she told reporters after the launch of the World Islamic Economic Forum Social Entrepreneurship Challenge 2014 by Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh here yesterday.

Azizah said the assistance rendered to homeless people and beggars was done through proper channels and methods.

“We will not stop people from giving aid to homeless people and beggars as it is a good thing to do, but its has to be done through a win-win principle so that all parties can benefit from it,” she said.

Azizah’s remarks comes in the wake of controversial statements by Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor on the government’s bid to combat vagrancy in the capital.

Tengku Adnan has previously said soup kitchens would be barred from operating within a two km zone in the city centre as it has marred the image of the capital and proposed to impose a RM150 fine on those who give out alms to beggars.

A number of government agencies met in Putrajaya last Friday to find ways to rid the capital of beggars and homeless people. — Bernama