SIBU: The public here has been advised to demand individuals or organisations to show their permit when being accosted for donations to vet their authenticity.
Sibu Resident Sim Kok Kee said it was mandatory for those seeking to solicit donations to obtain a permit from the Resident’s Office or State Secretary Office.
“The public has all the right to ask for the permit or not to give/donate (at all when being approached for donations),” Sim told The Borneo Post yesterday.
He stressed that individuals or organisations soliciting public donations must carry with them the permit.
Asked if the duration of permit was valid for a year, Sim explained this need not necessarily be so.
“It is dependent on the activities and purpose,” he pointed out.
Towards this end, he said individuals or organisations intending to solicit public donations can obtain the application form at the Resident’s Office.
Meanwhile, several members of the public here claimed of being approached in public places by individuals asking for donations towards charitable causes.
The media reported several years back, there were groups targeting eateries here selling Christmas cards, claiming the proceeds were used to aid the less fortunate.
Back then, several members of the public claimed they could not get through the contact number provided in an effort to check for its authenticity.
Meanwhile, it was reported in The Borneo Post on Aug 15 this year, several foreigners accosted members of the public in shopping malls and supermarkets in Miri for donations.
Desa Indah resident Sulaiman Alot was reported to be shocked by the actions of these individuals.
Sulaiman was further quoted to have said these individuals would show a booklet claiming to solicit donations for a charitable cause.