Public advised to be wary of online beggars

The public have been advised to be wary of online beggars who spin sad stories to dupe unsuspecting generous Malaysians into parting with their money via the social media.

Pahang Women and Family Development, Communications and Multimedia Committee chairman Datuk Shahaniza Shamsuddin said online begging was a new trend aimed at eliciting sympathy from the unsuspecting public.

"We can categorise them as online beggars. So, be careful because there are too many such scams.

"There was cyber love crime (cases) and now, its online begging. If we want to donate and seek rewards (in the afterlife), do not encourage activities like these," she said.

She was speaking to reporters after joining the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) 'Jom Raya' programme with the orphans and asnaf (deserving group) in obtaining new clothes for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri at a renowned textile shop here Monday.

Also present at the event was MCMC Eastern Region Office head, Md Rusli Ahmad.

In the meantime, Shahaniza urged social media users not to spread any unverified information in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidilfitri that could cause panic among the society.

At the event, the MCMC donated duit raya, baju raya and accessories to 45 pupils of SK Indera Mahkota, SK Sungai Isap, SK Seri Melati and SK Permatang Badak.