(ANN/THE STRAITS TIMES) – The Malaysian government has terminated the welfare benefits of a man found to be earning up to MYR500 (SGD142) a day through begging at night markets, despite being employed and owning a sport utility vehicle.
Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Noraini Ahmad, announced in Parliament on March 12 that the individual’s RM450 monthly disability allowance would be discontinued from March.
This decision followed an investigation by the ministry, revealing the man’s employment as a shift supervisor at a bus company, earning a monthly salary of MYR2,000.
“This individual is no longer eligible for welfare assistance from the Social Welfare Department,” Datuk Seri Noraini Ahmad stated, emphasising the man’s financial stability.
The operation that uncovered his activities took place in the Maran district, Pahang, on February 21.
Welfare officers were astonished to learn not only of his substantial earnings from begging but also that he drove a Proton X70 Premium SUV, priced between MYR123,800 and MYR128,800.
Despite his deception, the welfare officers issued only a verbal warning and a letter of undertaking to cease begging, as it was his first recorded offense in the Maran district. This incident highlights the ministry’s efforts to ensure that welfare assistance reaches genuinely needy individuals.
