Young money makers

These are becoming more and more common sight in Kuala Lumpur.

The presence of young children "selling" or getting donations for religious booklets.

Their approach is simple.

They basically HAND YOU a very small thin booklet and a person's natural instinct is to take it, cos we are so accustomed to receiving pamphlet, flyers and even free samples.

But once you take it, they will ask you for a 'donation'.

I have witnessed many who are caught in a dilemma.

On one hand they feel obliged to give, but on the other, they know that by giving, they are encouraging this unhealthy practice or even syndicate.

This boy in the photo does not look local.

I've even seen a young girl with color eyeshadow on. Too bad I don't have a photo of her cos it was the first time I witnessed a young child being used to make money this way.

She approached her "victim" as he was about to cross the road. I sensed his hesitation to give the money, so I just stepped in and asked if she have IC or Malaysian identification card.

She ignored me. I asked if she have passport. This time she just shrugged and took back the book from the guy's hand and went off.

This happened in front of Sogo KL entrance but today I saw this boy doing this inside Sogo.

It's really a dilemma on whether to give or not. You might seem "mean" not to give but in my opinion giving is really not an option because if from young they learn this "trade", this trade will not support their livelihood when they grow up.

So what are they going to do then? With no other working skills except begging, chances are they will just "recruit" (read: give birth to) young children who will continue this "trade" for them.

Something should be done fast to stop this social menace from spreading as children should be at school studying, learning.. Not scamming or begging.

No giving = no income, no income then they will have to look for other means for sustenance. And hopefully this other means does not involve begging but real work.