The festive atmosphere of Aidilfitri at the Putra Mosque was marked this morning by the conspicuous presence of foreign beggars actively soliciting donations outside the premises. A survey conducted as early as 7:00 am revealed approximately 10 individuals, including men, women, and children, lingering around the main entrance of the iconic landmark. These groups appeared to strategically position themselves to capture the attention of congregants arriving for the traditional Aidilfitri prayers.
Observation noted that several of these individuals utilised young children in strollers to evoke sympathy from the public as they approached the mosque grounds. The majority of these beggars are believed to be foreign nationals from the Middle East, with many claiming to be refugees from Palestine, while others appeared to be from Pakistan and Bangladesh. The sight of women and children sitting along the main walkway with outstretched hands has become a recurring point of discussion regarding public solicitation during major religious festivals.
In addition to the foreign groups, a small number of local individuals with disabilities were also spotted displaying medical documents to substantiate their pleas for financial assistance. One foreign man in his 30s, who claimed to be from Palestine, shared that he arrived in Malaysia last year after previously residing in Jordan. He stated that he is currently unemployed and struggling to cover basic living costs for his family, citing a lack of funds even for festive meals during the current celebration.
While some individuals were open to brief interaction, others remained evasive when approached by the media. A woman in her 30s, who also identified as Palestinian, was seen requesting money for food but declined to engage in further conversation, quickly moving away with her companions. This local trend mirrors recent reports of foreign groups using narratives of conflict and suffering to target high-traffic tourist areas in the capital, such as Bukit Bintang and Petaling Street, as lucrative spots for begging.
Data from the Social Welfare Department (JKM) indicates that enforcement actions have been taken against 4,311 non-citizen beggars between 2023 and November 2025 under the Destitute Persons Act 1977. A spokesperson for the department confirmed that they continue to carry out operations based on public complaints and periodic monitoring. Despite these enforcement efforts, the presence of organised begging groups during significant holidays remains a complex challenge for local authorities and welfare agencies.
