Don't blame child beggars when we failed to protect them - Azalina

A video circulating on social media showing children knocking on car doors to demand money have courted xenophobic reactions.

However, Pengerang MP Azalina Othman Said said they should not be blamed when the country failed to prevent them from being used as beggars.

"Rohingya children shouldn't be blamed when they end up on the streets.

"We have failed to provide them with adequate protection when they become beggars at the bidding of adults.

"Where’s the Coordinating Council for the Protection of Children?" the Umno lawmaker tweeted.

Azalina is also the special adviser on human rights to Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

She pointed out that Section 32 of the Child Act provides a fine of up to RM5,000 or up to two years imprisonment or both for anyone who uses children for begging or illegal activities.

The same punishment is provided under Section 33 for leaving children without reasonable supervision.

Last Sunday, videos of children behaving aggressively in demanding money on the streets near Cheras, Kuala Lumpur were circulated on social media.

 - Mkini