Stricter enforcement will be undertaken to counter issues of drifters and beggars around Ipoh.
According to the Executive Councillor for Women and Family Development, Social Welfare and NGO, Datuk Dr Wan Norashikin Wan Noordin, there has been an increase in the number of such individuals due to the pandemic and the resulting Movement Control Order (MCO).
“At this point of the MCO, not only are the drifters affected by hardships of daily life; even the general public is suffering the hit, with the ongoing white flag campaign as a solid proof.
“Most of the drifters are centred around banks as they are strategic places because the public is frequently there.
“Whenever there’s human presence, the drifters will be holding on to a glimmer of hope to receive any amount of monetary contribution.”
She told reporters during a media session in the temporary placement centre for drifters at the Malaysian Red Crescent Society’s Hall today (July 13).
Wan Norashikin added, the matter will be looked into wholly with joint effort from multiple agencies including local authorities (PBT).
“We’ll be working with the Royal Malaysia Police Force (PDRM), Social Welfare Department (JKM) and Ipoh City Council (MBI) among others, to draft an enforcement plan.
“JKM will be identifying who are really drifters and who aren’t. Some are, in actuality, staying with their relatives,” she added.
Meanwhile, Wan Norashikin said that 14 out of the 24 current occupants of the placement centre will be receiving their vaccine doses in the nearest time frame.
“They were chosen based on assessment and review of their health conditions,” she mentioned.
Chris Teh
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