TAWAU: The issue of street beggars involving ethnic Pala’u group, who are sea nomads without any citizenship, needs a long-term solution to curb the matter before it gets out of hand.
Checks by Bernama found that these groups usually beg around the city, especially at the intersection of Jalan Pesisiran near Al-Kauthar mosque, with many of the children begging from vehicle to vehicle in a dangerous manner, including leaning or clinging to the vehicles.
These groups have made nearby areas such as Taman Traulsen, located on the beachfront for their recreational activities, bathing and washing clothes, and sleeping on the sidewalk of the Ba Zhong Commercial Centre.
However, about two months ago, the ethnic Pala’u group started setting up illegal huts at the beach area near the stretch of restaurants at the commercial centre and turned the tourist area, into an illegal settlement.
A Bernama reporter met a woman known as Basaraya, living in the illegal hut with some 20 individuals, including five children and claimed that all of them came from Pulau Denawan waters in Semporna.
Basaraya, in her 50s, who is not fluent in Bahasa Melayu, said they boarded a boat and came to Tawau several weeks ago to earn a living, and currently, they are collecting recycled boxes and bottles to be sold to sellers.
Speaking in the Bajau language to the reporter, she said the group had initially worked as sailors in Semporna, but they came to Tawau for a better living.
Meanwhile, Tawau Municipal Council (MPT) president Joseph Pang told Bernama that the matter was raised in the District Security Meeting last Monday, and integrated operations would be conducted by the relevant agencies, including dismantling the illegal structures built.
Sri Tanjong assemblyman Justin Wong hopes that police and related agencies including MPT, Immigration Department and Welfare Department, can set up a team to address the matter, which is increasingly worrying and affecting the image of Tawau.
“I have seen these groups being sent by taxis and begging at distant places such as McDonald’s at Perdana Square Mile 3,” he said, adding he would also send a memorandum to the state government, representing the entire Tawau people to resolve the beggars’ issue.
A fish grill worker at DeView Cafe, Christina Veran, 41, said employees working along the row of premises near the pond had to clean up human faeces dumped on the sidewalk every day.
“We remind them daily not to poop in front of the shops,” she added.
Sharing similar grouses, One Buck Cafe manager, 26-year-old Salmiah Awaluddin said first thing in the morning, restaurant workers had to clean the sidewalks that were soiled with human faeces.
“Some customers also complained as sometimes these beggars beg at the table, making our customers feel uncomfortable. We often remind them not to disturb customers. The beggars, if left unchecked, can turn aggressive,” she added.
A customer at Taman Traulsen, Mansor Beddu, 54, when met, also hoped that the state government would address the matter immediately as it is becoming more rampant to health and safety issues. – BERNAMA
