MIRI: The local authority needs to find the best approach to rid the city of beggars and the homeless.
A survey by The Borneo Post yesterday found that a number of beggars who go to public places like restaurants and coffee shops to ask for money might also be homeless. It was seen that many members of the public who were approached by them seemed uncomfortable with their presence.
“For locals who are used to the presence of these beggars, they will just ignore them. But for outsiders, many will give them money and this will make the beggars more active,” complained a member of the public to The Borneo Post.
He added that the sight of these beggars coming into coffee shops was not something rare, as they could be seen coming into the same coffee shops several times a day.
“I believe that members of the public who are approached (by beggars) while enjoying their meals are feeling uncomfortable, especially when the beggars would not leave until they are given money,” he pointed out.
In fact, he added, their presence would also spoil the image of Miri among outsiders and tourists. In view of this, the complainant urged the relevant authority to find the best approach to tackle the matter. “If this matter is taken lightly, we fear that begging will be a widespread occupation, like what is happening in bigger cities such as Kuala Lumpur,” he said with concern.