BEGGARS pleading for alms whilst claiming all manner of injuries or disabilities that prevent them from seeking employment is a common sight especially at busy night markets or bazaars during festive seasons.
One such beggar was caught on video showing him to be quite able-bodied as he was able to get up and fold his wheelchair into a car without any assistance.
The unassuming perpetrator must have thought nobody was looking and it was safe for him to abandon his charade and clock off “work”.
Shared on the X platform by InfoUpdate (@InfoUodate1111), the poster sarcastically applauded the marketing nous of the beggar.
He also pointed out that “business” was good enough for the scammer to afford a Perodua Alza as means of transport.
The short clip highlighting the obvious deception generated plenty of feedback with some rightly contended that it is such scammers who give genuine OKUs (Malay abbreviation for disabled person) a bad name.
One went even further saying that perhaps being punished with a real disability would teach such scammers a lesson.
One applauded the clever marketing ploy employed by the scammer, wearing a kopiah (skullcap) to tug at heart strings of potential Muslim donors.
One asked just how the scammer could sleep at night knowing that his earnings are ill-gotten. If there was a genuine need for alms, the person could reach out to the mosque or surau for alms.
The theme of giving charity directly to the mosque or surau was echoed by a few other netizens, pointing out that at least it was going through the proper channels.
One netizen also shared his own experiences of observing other handicapped beggars suddenly overcome their disabilities.
While a few observed the receivers of such alms in his housing area seem to be driving better class of vehicles than those giving.
Another hinted that these beggars were possibly working for syndicates.
A few did say this phenomenon was prevalent simply because Malaysians are kind-hearted and are always willing to lend a helping hand.
It was pointed out that Malaysians need to stop giving alms altogether to roadside beggars. It is better to channel the funds through legitimate charities or via the aforementioned mosques/surau.
The commenter quite rightly pointed out that this issue would vanish if people stopped giving.
One netizen remarked that how incredible that with the Almighty’s grace, this “OKU” is able to walk again. Perhaps it will lead him to walk a straighter path or is that wishful thinking? – Oct 2, 2024
