Jambi city over run by beggars

JAMBI, Jambi: The number of beggars entering Jambi city has been on the rise since Ramadhan commenced two weeks ago. While on normal days one could expect to see around 80 beggars wandering the city, during the month of Ramadhan the number of beggars rises two or three fold, said Rizal, an official with the city's social welfare agency.

Rizal said the seasonal beggars were trying their luck in offices, mosques and residential areas during Ramadhan. Muslims believe that God will multiply merits for those Muslims who perform good deeds, especially provide charity for the poor during Ramadhan.

In order to put order back in the city, Rizal said his office would conduct raids and send the beggars to a government-run social institution to provide them with employable skills. -- JP