ARMLESS BEGGAR SEEN @ MANY PLACES IN S’PORE, SUSPECTED SYNDICATE AT WORK

A reader has sent word of an armless beggar who has been spotted in various locations throughout Singapore, sparking concerns that the man is part of or being exploited by a beggar syndicate.

The beggar, who is believed to be a foreigner in his 20s, was last seen at Hougang Central.

According to news reports, the armless man has been seen in locations as far as Chinatown, Toa Payoh, and Ang Mo Kio. Some witnesses have seen the man being ferried to Toa Payoh in a van before he starts his day of begging.

The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) has issued a statement on the matter to encourage Singaporeans to refer destitute persons to the ministry’s ComCare Hotline (1800-2220000) instead.

Under the Destitute Person’s Act, anyone who is found begging and causing a nuisance from begging activities can be fined $3,000 and/or jailed for no more than 2 years.