The issue of foreign begpackers in Malaysia has been aggravating, to say the least. Previously, TikTok user Reina Lum took to the platform to highlight this ongoing “trend”. She talked about how the local people are being taken advantage by these tourists.
Recently, another netizen on Twitter named Mischa Selamat took to her social media to share a photo and video of a couple of begpackers. In her post, the two travellers can be seen covering themselves from the scorching sun with an umbrella.
https://twitter.com/Michellelanious/status/1620345504084406272
The duo also placed a box and a sign in front of them, which reads, “Food and ticket to go back home.” According to Mischa, they were spotted at the Public Bank next to the Grand Millenium Hotel in Bukit Bintang. “Should I report this to the police (PDRM) or the DBKL (Kuala Lumpur City Hall)? Or the Immigration (Department of Malaysia)?” she tweeted. In her subsequent updates, Mischa revealed that she had already lodged her reports.
Needless to say, Malaysians were infuriated by the sight of these begpackers. A few also shared that they have seen the couple begging for money in the same exact spot. “I see them every day when I go to lunch. They’re using iPhone 12 Pro Max 👀,” said one commenter. Additionally, another netizen pointed out that begging or vagrant is in fact a crime in Malaysia.
Btw dorang ni dah lama jugak depan grand millenium tuh . Sebelum ni wang untuk makan minum . Sekarang ni wang untuk tiket pulang . Tak ade embassy ke? Luls pic.twitter.com/XwxuunJ0ns
— Adik Manis (@nadeamasyudi) January 18, 2023
Kesalahan bawah Seksyen 27(c), Akta 336, Seksyen 268, Kanun Keseksaan, Seksyen 8(3)(c) Akta Imigresen. Begging/vagrant is a crime.
— Ahmad Ebak Malik (@mal_ae) February 1, 2023
As stated in Section 27(C) of the Minor Offenses Act 1955, those found begging in a public place, when he or she is capable of earning a living, can be fined up to RM100 or imprisoned.
Source: Twitter.
