LAHAD DATU – Police arrested 34 sea gypsies, also known as Palauh, who were begging at two traffic light intersections at Jalan Bunga Raya and Bandar Sri Perdana here yesterday.
District police chief Rohan Shah Ahmad said the detainees, aged between 2 and 41, comprise of nine women and 25 children. All were caught in a one-hour operation dubbed Op Covid-19.
“These people are not bothered about the spread of Covid-19 and the risk of the virus. They are taking advantage of their stateless status to break the rules.”
He said the detainees will be investigated under Regulation 17 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 for not wearing face masks and not practising physical distancing.
He urged residents to stop giving money to beggars on the streets, especially at traffic light areas, as this could disrupt traffic flow.
“Legal action can be taken under Road Traffic Rules: Rule 41 LN 166/59, which provides that pedestrians must not stop or linger at road crossings.” – Bernama, March 14, 2021
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