A WARNING over alleged organised begging rackets that surface during Ramadan has gone out from senior MPs.
It follows claims that con artists were duping people into handing over money with fake sob stories.
MPs say they have been informed of beggars being ferried to neighbourhoods and malls by bus to exploit the charitable spirit of the holy month.
“People’s kindness and good hearts are taken advantage of by beggars, whether acting on their own accord or cheats travelling the country in buses and minivans to commit such crimes against society and the country,” said parliament financial and economic affairs committee chairman Abdulrahman Buali.
“The begging gangs change locations on a daily basis throughout Ramadan so as not to get noticed.
“Unfortunately, people’s generosity enables them to continue profiteering.
“This has to be stopped through an immediate clampdown because it gives the wrong impression and encourages others to follow suit.”
Parliament services committee chairman Abbas Al Madi accused most beggars during Ramadan of being con artists, since those genuinely in need get support from the government and charitable societies.
“Begging is unnecessary in Bahrain – whether it involves Bahrainis, Bahrainis of other Arab origins or expatriates – because they are supported by the government and charities to meet their ends,” he said.
“The begging rackets mainly operated by Bahrainis of Arab origins know that Ramadan is a caring and loving month, so they go on orchestrated money-milking drives to make as much as possible.
“The government has to step in and take action because what is happening is clearly harmful to the true spirit of Ramadan and our community’s ideologies and morals.”
Those sentiments were echoed by parliament human rights committee vice-chairman Nasser Al Qaseer, who said he had personally witnessed groups of beggars operating together.
“Beggars tend come en masse in Ramadan because they know people are willing to give, but the public needs to beware that most are liars who are well paid or just trying to make money,” he said.
“I can’t validate the gangs, but I have seen groups coming together begging and each member has a different role and a different part to play.
“A clampdown is necessary before the situation gets out of hand.”
The MPs’ comments follow reports of beggars carrying medical documents as evidence they are ill, unpaid bills and pictures of children sleeping in the street to tug on people’s heartstrings.
Labour and Social Development Ministry Under-Secretary Sabah Al Dossary said he was aware that begging increased during Ramadan, but reiterated that the practice was illegal.
“The law is clear in the case of begging, which has been prohibited in Bahrain by law for the past 12 years, but individuals tend to take advantage of people’s softer side – either through drama, crying or claiming false circumstances,” he said.
“The claims that people are transported by buses has not been validated by us, as we have not received any video or photograph showing that it is happening.
“We are not saying it is not the case, but we tend to need proof so we can take legal action.
“But we are not showing leniency with individual beggars, who are harming the country’s image despite their situation not warranting asking for money.
“Tougher action awaits those cheating people if they are found.”
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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