Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor became the centre of a controversy following an announcement that Soup Kitchen would not be allowed to operate within a 2-km radius of Lot 10.
His announcement became a sizzling topic of discussion among Netizens with many claiming that the Minister is prohibiting KL citizens from giving alms to beggars and the homeless.
Astro AWANI met up with Ku Nan at his office seeking explanation and an approximately an hour before the scheduled news outlets were rife with news that Ku Nan has issued a stern warning for NGOs -- which have been responsible in providing food regularly to the homeless in the city -- to move elsewhere.
“I do know the Islamic rules of giving alms, and sometimes I feel sad when some people label me as a person who does not know about Islamic rules,” he said when asked about the matter.
He requested those involved especially the NGOs to avoid from causing confusion among the people, as he added that they are still allowed to provide food outside the 2-km radius (outside of Lot 10), or in surau or temples.
“This is a tourist attraction and I don’t want this area to be filthy and filled with rats. (Some) foreign newspapers have labeled Kuala Lumpur as the city of rat,” he said.
Ku Nan said his ministry will work with City Hall to identify suitable areas for food distribution so that the NGOs can continue their voluntary work.
However, he stressed that due to this free food, the beggars who were mostly given jobs prefer to return to begging.
“They are lazy to work because people have been giving them free food,” he said.
Ku Nan revealed that because the beggars are given free food, some of them have made begging into a career and are able to stay in three-star hotels.
“There are young beggars who stay in hotels such as the Federal Hotel in Jalan Bukit Bintang and they are fed by these NGOs. I apologise if there are people who are not comfortable with my decision and move but, believe me, it is for everyone’s good."
Irwan Muhammad Zain
Thu Jul 03 2014
Ku Nan has become the centre of controversy with his statement that soup kitchens would not be allowed within a two km-radius of Lot 10
Japanese manicurist takes on plastic pollution, one nail at a time
Before global leaders address plastic pollution, a Japanese manicurist highlights the issue by incorporating it into her nail designs.
What to watch for ahead of US presidential inauguration
Here's a timeline of events between now and inauguration day.
The battle to reduce road deaths
In Malaysia, over half a million road accidents have been recorded so far this year.
Pro-Palestinian NGOs seek court order to stop Dutch arms exports to Israel
The Dutch state, as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, has a duty to take all reasonable measures at its disposal to prevent genocide.
How quickly can Trump's Musk-led efficiency panel slash US regulations?
Moves by Trump and his appointees to eliminate existing rules will be met with legal challenges, as many progressive groups and Democratic officials have made clear.
2TM: Consultations on PTPTN loans, admission to IPTA at MOHE booth
Consultations on PTPTN loans and admission to IPTA are among services provided at the Higher Education Ministry booth.
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.